When I wrote about making changes and giving away my piano, many of you assumed our house had sold and we’re moving. Well, I wish this post was confirming that, but it’s not. Our house did not sell and we are not moving. In fact, we’ve taken our house off the market.
We’ve had our house on the market for three months and haven’t had one showing. Not one person even looked at our house. Mean while, we went through the total bummer of falling in love with two places and watched helplessly as they sold to someone else. Jeff was the first one to acknowledge that this just might not be the right time to move. Maybe God is telling us to stay.
I was a entirely closed off to that idea. I want my farm ASAP and I will act like a baby about it if I can’t have it. And there was some of that, I’m sorry to say. I used the word “devastated” when I told Jeff how it would make me feel to take our house off the market and not try to move to a farm right now. He lovingly raised his eyebrows at that declaration and he was so right. I was disappointed, yes. Not devastated. Devastation is what happens when a tornado hits or when a parent loses a child. I needed a little time to regain that perspective. I needed time to roll it around in my head and reconcile it with my heart. And I needed to grieve the fact that we were putting that dream back on the shelf. For a while, anyway.
We’re going to stay put. We’re going to work toward some goals. We’re going to wait.
It’s not the glamorous or exciting thing, but we feel like it’s the best thing. Moving would’ve been a great thing, but I think staying will prove to be even better in the long run.
I will admit, my heart was set on change and I was already dreaming about the new spaces to paint, decorate and fill with furniture. So, today I started shuffling around furniture. It was prompted by our piano being moved out of the living room and took off from there.
It was therapeutic for me. If we’re committing to staying in this house for a few more years, I want to commit to that. No more holding onto pieces for the next move or waiting & seeing…I’m going to get things finished for this house instead of focusing on the what ifs of the next house.
And we’re finally going to tackle a project that’s been on my DIY list for a while. When we decided to stay one of the first things I said to Jeff was, “I’d really like to refinish the floors in the downstairs front of the house…”
I refinished them in spectacularly ridiculous fashion when I was five months pregnant with my second son. I didn’t know what I was doing and I was in too much of a hurry to read up on the subject. I just plowed into it and ended up scooting around in a diaper box. You can read about it in my book or HERE.
In short, I applied a thick coat of stain that didn’t fully dry before I applied the finish, so the stain bonded to the poly finish and it just chips and peels off the floor.
We’re going to sand them down and just finish them with some Hemp Oil, which is all natural and won’t stink up the house for days. Given that I can pull the finish off with my fingers, I think the hardest part of the job will be moving all of the furniture and controlling the dust. We’ll see…
While everything is in upheaval, I’m going to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim in the living, dining room and hallway. I’m still going with a shade of white, but I want to go with a cooler shade with blue or gray undertones. (I’m looking at that dark, smokey blue for the boy’s room, which is also due for a fresh coat of paint.)
Things are starting to take shape in the living room, but I’m really enjoying the “playing” period, so I’m going to take my time.
I’m loving the hutch where the piano was. It’s such a statement piece and now it’s in a prominent spot.
And filled with ironstone, of course!
So, what’s the plan with our business? Because we are still bursting at the seams and that needs to be addressed.
We are going to start looking for a commercial space close to our home to rent, so we can get out of the basement and create a studio and a place to teach workshops and occasionally hold sales. It’s a big step, but we’ve been ready for it for a long time and I’m really excited about having a dedicated space to work.
So, there’s the update.
This is not where I thought we would be when we put our house on the market three months ago, but it wasn’t all pointless. We gained a lot in the process and maybe I’ll share more about that when the mood strikes…
123 Responses
I have been sitting here at my computer just waiting for your news. I feel your pain in not getting to go on with your plans. I can’t believe you didn’t have a quick sale. But as you say, it must be
something you need to wait for. So sorry, but I know something better will come your way.
I’m surprised your home didn’t sell, but like you said, God must have a better plan for you. Good luck finding a studio space! I’m sure things will happen when/the way it’s meant to happen 🙂
Aww, I’m sorry. I know you are disappointed, but I do admire your positive attitude. Just a word of unsolicited advice regarding refinishing floors: if you hire the job out, find a crew with a truck-mounted vacuum. MUCH less dust!
Marian– I love that you are not afraid to change directions! And your husband is there to hold you up…what a great guy! I keep having to remind myself that life doesn’t have a built-in GPS and we need to be flexible to find the road that’s meant for us. Thanks for the inspiration and the reminders…
I know everything will turn out just great, remember that God is in control, I know, I have to remind myself too! Love your livingroom!
We totally did the same thing when refinishing the floors in our first house..
Highly, highly recommend using a realtor the next go round.
We did use a realtor…
Next time use a different realtor. No showings in three months means two things: your price is too high and your realtor had no idea how to market your beautiful home.
Hubby and I were both widowed in our 40s. We met four years ago, married, and had to decide where to live. We chose San Diego because it’s the best place for us. I moved from TX to his place in OR, knowing that we would sell that house and move to SD ASAP.
That ASAP became a YEAR on the market!
We had one sale go all the way to CLOSING before the buyers funding fell apart( don’t ask how much fun that was, LOL)
We went through two more realtors before I used the For Sale By Owner site.
I wrote the copy took great photos, and signed up on a Friday…we had multiple offers that same weekend, and sold it to the second people who walked through.
They wanted a quick closing and 25 days later we were moving to our fave city.
Don’t throw in the towel so easily-three months is nothing in some markets.
If you are priced to sell-not priced as to what you think your home is worth-you’ll sell.
Remember-EVERY house sells. Some just take a while…
I have two friends who had the same experience. Each listed their houses with a realtor and nothing. They finally went with the “For Sale By Owner” site and they sold quickly. A realtor is a professional, but does not have the focused interest in your house that you do. You are your best marketer. It’s more work, but worth it in the end. We sold our first house with a realtor and she listed it for a much higher price than we thought it was worth or that we could get. It didn’t sell until she dropped the price to where we thought it should be. Sometimes professionals can be really out of touch with reality.
I completely agree here. Need a different agent. No showings in 3 months is absolutely crazy. With a capital C. Also agree about price….and your agent should have said as much. Find a highly recommended agent or one with a proven track record…just look up your local agents’ profiles on realtor.com.
I totally understand the disappointment but I have to wonder if maybe the price wasn’t right. What did your realtor tell you? I thought we had a hard house to sell (it took contract #3 before someone actually went through with the purchase) but once we lowered the price, we started getting showings. Good luck on your new ventures!
Yeah, that might have been the problem. We went with what our retailer suggested and did end up lowering the price, but never got any interest. We do live in an area where it’s not unusual for homes to take 6-12 months to sell, just because it’s a rural area… When the timing is right, it’ll happen! 🙂
I can sympathize with your disappointment. Years ago I felt the same way when we lost out on first homes because we were a day short. It’s heartbreaking. I also thought not to long ago about selling our current home to get something more manageable, however thanks to your blog and others like it I have started redecorating and have fallen head over heels in love with my home. Thank you for filling me with inspiration. I hope you eventually get your farm if you still desire. I know whatever happens you will make the best of it.
Marian, I am in California and did the same thing . We were listed for 3 months and had about 20 people look but no offers,so we took it off the market. I am like you so sad, I was dreaming of my ranch style house all one lever long beautiful home. My biggest mistake was to go to restoration hardware and buy the pine reclaimed trestle table for my new ranch house that I may never get. The market here is not good.Keep up your dreams of your farm and I am doing the same for my ranch.i just can’t help myself,every time I go to home good I buy something for my home in my dreams (our travel trailer is now full of those things) I have no self control
You should buy (or lease) a studio for your business! 🙂
Marian-
I agree with what you said– Maybe God is telling you stay. (for now anyway)
I say– kudos to you! You’ve set a wonderful example to a lot of young women that read your blog…Listen to you husband because he listens to God. You my friend are faithful.
And I appreciate that in you.
Because of your faithful obedience– when the time comes, you’ll be ready to receive all the God has in store for you and your family, and your business.
🙂
Oh, Marian, I feel for you! We have been through a similar journey this summer, and just yesterday decided to call it quits. So much disappointment. I am feeling now, though, like a weight has been lifted. No more obsessive searching. No more wondering where we’ll be at Christmas. Sigh… It’s not what I wanted, but I’m thankful we have a house to call home, and that for now, we’re just going to stay put. I hope everything works out for your commercial space, and that God blesses all your efforts and obedience.
Marian, God sees the bigger picture and sometimes He just wants us to put things in proper perspective. Take a deep breath and count your blessings and be content where you are until God opens a door. Just trust that He loves you and He knows best. I can’t wait to see your floors redone. Give us good tips.
Dear MMS, So sorry your house didn’t sell! You have a great attitude and I’m excited to see what kind of new work space you’ll have. How exciting. Hugs, Anne Boykin
I was just telling my friend about how I read that you were listing your home. Her and her husband are moving back to Leesburg and they said they didn’t think they were going to find anything they like. Then I was like wait I saw that Miss Mustard Seed is selling our home and she’s in Leesburg! Small world. If you are still interested in selling your home please let me know and I will pass on the info.
I like that last post. Was thinking it seemed like it was the “death of a dream” which so often happens before God answers our prayers. Appreciate your transparency.
I do not understand . If that is your dream then don’t give up on it. Patience . The right person to buy your house might have showed up tomorrow and now you will never know. The day I took down my for sale by owner sign was the day my buyer drove by my house and was so devastated because she thought we had just sold it. A friend down the street had notified her there was a house with a big yard for sale . Turns out that day we had listed it in real estate and she got on the computer that night and there it was . She bought it the next morning……. Change realtors . Maybe that is what God is trying to tell you.
I’m sorry the experience has been so frustrating for you! It took us 7 months to sell our house (which was INSANELY frustrating and involved the theft of our A/C units, insurance that wouldn’t cover the theft, a buyer who cancelled a check and jerked us around for months, realtors who who were trying to double deal and were anything but honest, thousands of extra dollars, all done from South Korea while the house was in Virginia…….) I know it is so hard, but it only ever takes the RIGHT buyer to sell a house. I would second the suggestion of swapping realtors, the one you had obviously wasn’t doing their job if you didn’t get a single showing in 3 months, they told you too high a price for your market, they weren’t marketing you correctly, or able to talk people into coming and looking so they can fall in love with your house, etc. Any real estate agent worth their salt should be able to get people through the door if nothing else.
Sorry Marian. We have lived in our “starter home” for 11 years and had it on the market twice. We had a ton of showings (one couple came back 4 times), and it was very difficult. The second time we had it on the market, we didn’t even look at new homes just in case.
A friend of mine sold an amazing house out where you live, and it took 6 months. I think it is an area where people buy and stay.
I’m so sorry that your house didn’t sell but so thankful for your renewed perspective on the current situation! I’ve been thru four houses in 16 years. Each sold when we were suppose to move. Not on my timing.
Our family jsut relocated to another state. We are 6 people in a jammed up apt. I house hunt all the time. God recently revealed to me that contentment needs to be a current state. So for a few months, we are focusing on being thankful for what we have and realizing that our perfect is not necessarily God’s perfect. There is so reasurance that HE holds the plan – because if were up to me, it would be a mess.
Keep your eyes on his prize and enjoy the time you have in your house, imperfetions and all xo
I do agree, sometimes we are impatient, and have to wait till the time is right for it all to fall into place. As I tell my kids, things happen for a reason and sometimes we are trying to force what we want to happen when that is not what God wants for us. Enjoy this time of year with your family, pray on it, and let the future unfold in it’s own time.
So sorry your dream is on hold for now. I’m sure it will all work out in His timing. I agree with others that your home may have not been priced right if you didn’t get a single showing. I managed to sell my last two homes on my own without a realtor so I have a little bit of experience with selling. Two things are very critical when selling in a “buyers” market. Pricing and staging!!!
I think when you live in a home, everything around you should be a reflection of you and your family and things you love. When selling your home, that all goes out the window… Honestly, a lot of people can not look past “stuff” and pay attention to the detail and layout of the home. They’re too focused on the decor or paint colors unfortunately.
If and when you decide to list your home again, you may want to consider storing a lot of your furniture and decor. It’s hard to take away the things you love and it immediately doesn’t feel quite like home anymore, but it’s necessary for selling. Possibly consider a slightly more modern decor to appeal to more buyers and online views of your home.
These are just some suggestions and ideas of things that helped me. I hope it’s ok that I offered advice that wasn’t asked for. 😉 Wishing you the best on your dreams!
why did you not have an open house? you might need a new realtor. one that is good at get thing sold in your area. i know of a house where i live that was for sale for 1 year or more and then they went with a different realtor and sold in a week. so the right realtor or real estate company is the key.
Angela, each realtor is different. Some have found the the majority of the time its just curious “lookie-loos” who want to go through someone else’s home. Other realtors have horror stories of having things stolen or questionable people show up and don’t feel safe. We went to an open house once and witnessed another families kids running wild through the sellers house. I could see the displeasure on the realtors face.
we sold our home to the 1st. people that came to our open house and we were at the open house.
I’m sorry to hear that things didn’t work out as you’d planned just yet. I hope you are feeling a bit of relief now, though, that a clear direction is in sight again (I hated having our home on the market….. never wanted to do anything to it because it didn’t really feel like “our” house, waiting for it to be someone else’s.) Good luck finding a rental space for your business. And just think, once you find it, that will leave you with lots of empty space in the basement…. hmmmm…. wonder what you’ll do with that? 🙂
Oh, I know all too well the disappointment of “the perfect properties” slipping right through your hands. I, too, had the vision of the future. Perfect acreage, ponds, a main, newer farmhouse and the old one, of which, would have become my B&B plus several small barns and one big one to host events. I had it all planned out and could see myself walking from the chicken coop with an apron full of eggs to prepare breakfast for my guests and they would be mesmerized. Haha! That property existed and it sold. So, we decided to hold the horses, finish our HOME and make it what we want. His plan is specially made for us and we will wait and see what He has in store for us. I won’t ever stop dreaming but I’m learning to be patient. Something I struggle with. It will all work out Marian, the way it’s supposed to. <3
Marian,
My jaw dropped in your first paragraph. Not what I was expecting to read. Wow. Having been through it I understand the devastation period. I was so thrown by the idea that the house WE had wanted was going to be gone because we were most likely going to HAVE TO move and leave it! When I had my growth and understanding in God and His plans (due to our first life upheaval) I was about 40. It took me some time to grasp the idea that it was NOT going to be what I had wanted. I know I have said it before here, but we got all that we needed and more with our move!!
I have a great feeling that once you get really good with your decision and acceptance to have to take it off the market, things will go great. Many months from now when you have your commercial space and feel free from the strain in your home you will be thankful it worked out the way it did. I see great things ahead with your expansion into a commercial space and am so excited you have this plan B!
I have to share about my comment to be careful about the move to a farm, cost, time, etc. I found it crazy that not a week later I went bonkers for a “farmhouse” in our town totally rehabbed inside. It was again my dream. My Bent Mountain dream home in Ladue–which meant not 64 acres but 1.26–ha! The inside was amazing!! I went crazy over it for 24 hours. My husband said if I could do the monthly he could get us in. Then I got smart and my husband and I talked. Way too much strain financially, not worth the money, and really–not what we wanted. I got wrapped up in the dream but from experience quickly was able to pull myself out. I am just too happy here and what would I gain? I drove by it a week later to see how it looked in person. I was not impressed at all. We have 1/2 as much land but useable land, enough bathrooms for all, very nice curb appeal. I really love my split level! Anyway…point being…I still got caught up in the dream and I had just spoken about the concerns associated with it to you! This will be GOOD! I can feel it. 🙂
God has something better in mind!
Sometimes we don’t get what we want, we get what we need. Everyone who walked into my house made an offer, 5 times. After I accepted one, the appraisal came in $20k too low. I was very sad and thought I wasn’t going to be able to move and maybe I wasn’t meant to move and that same week I received two cash offers!
This may be what you need even if it isn’t what you wanted.. Good luck.
We lived in a little, tiny house in a wonderful neighborhood for years. We wanted something a little larger (our kitchen literally had 12 square feet of counter space) but everything in our neighborhood was so expensive and what was in our budget was depressingly bad. We looked on and off for about a year until I decided that we would just make our little house the best it could be. I didn’t want to look at another house that wasn’t right for us, We started doing some improvements and I had made peace with my tiny house in the wonderful neighborhood. One Saturday morning my husband was looking up a house on our street that had just come on the market, just out of curiousity because it was going to be a major fixer upper. On the same internet page their was another house that was perfect for us, he hesitated to even show it to me because he knew I was so over the disappointment of looking. Later that day he “kind of, accidently” ended up in the neighborhood of the house and we went to the open house. It really was perfect for us, a little out of the “wondeful neighorhood” so I would never have considered it on paper. We decided we wanted it so we put on offer on it and then went home and started working on selling our house! It was crazy. Our mortgage person helped us make it all work so that we could get in the new house before the other one sold. Luckily it all worked out and now we are in our sweet, new house.
I guess my long story is trying to say that when the time is right, it really will work out. Enjoy the home you are in for now and have a wonderful Fall.
God definitely has a plan for each of us. It sounds like he is opening different doors for you than what you had planned/hoped for. I know it will all work out best for you!
Have you thought of painting the inside of the hutch? IMHO, the unpainted portion makes it look a little “unfinished”. I also think the ironstone shows up better on the blue. Totally my opinion though, just tossing that out there!
Thank you so much for this post. Over this past year, I have had some of my big life plans be postponed as well when I had been really excited by the changes I thought they would bring. Your attitude is refreshing and one that I envy. I will work harder to be happier with where I am right now.
Meghan
whenLmetM.blogspot.com
I am so sorry you have to deal with this disappointment. It is so hard to postpone a dream, especially when you are so creative and have spent time thinking about all of the details you want to create in your new nest. You are such a hard worker and are so determined and have so much faith that it will happen for you in time. Wishing you nothing but the best, marion!
Now, I’m just going back to being jealous of the house you already have!!! It is lovely.
MMS thanks for sharing your dreams and accomplishments with us but your disappointments also. There have been so many times in my life that I have worked up an ideal and had everything planned out if God would just let me control the workings. When I finally take my hands off and become content in my circumstances wham He blesses me with so much more than I had dreamed and worked out in my mind. I am not sure why I said that you know first hand how The Lord blesses His children with good gifts, look at the Miss Mustard Seed business. I love your beautiful HOME!
There is a country song about thanking God for unanswered prayers. My husband and I have found that to be so true in our life’s journey. I’m sure you will see someday why now is not the time for the move.
“One door closes, another opens”. (Helen Keller)
I am the mom of two teenaged sons. Even though my head realized that we were in this boring 1970s ranch house, and that the kids were growing up, it didn’t dawn on me until last year, that this house that we’ve been in for 15 years is the one they will always consider as the “home they grew up in.”
While I was always thinking of the farmhouse, or 1940s-style house that my husband and I love, my boys were making memories in this one, and it’s this one that will have the power of “home” over them. It’s too bad that I didn’t put my heart and soul into it, but kept wasting my thoughts on somewhere else.
Believe it or not, by the time your boys are 10 or 11, they will stop playing with legos, and stop playing in the yard. You won’t know it’s happening. You’ll just realize one day that they haven’t pulled out the Lego bucket for six or seven months. They’ll remember, play for a day, and then it’ll all go unused again. The same things happens with Hot Wheels.
As far as running around and exploring outside (on a farm or there), that will change as well.
When they’re 12-13, they don’t explore anymore. They’ll just want to throw a football or play basketball in the driveway. As they become pre-teens and teenagers, their interests change, and their lives are fun and interesting; but, they’re different, too.
All this to say, either go for it with all your might, now, while your boys are young, or stay put and enjoy the last 10-15 years with them in that home. Just please don’t keep thinking that “in a few years” you’ll have that dream property, and that idealized life on the farm with two boys living in bliss. Make it as close to the ideal, now.
Are you allowed to have hens where you are? Then get some.
The boys don’t have a barn to play in? Build the coolest tree fort in the backyard.
Don’t have a garden? Plant one, or find a farmer’s market. Plant some fruit trees. Learn how to can some fruits and veggies, and start your farmer’s pantry right where you are.
KWIM?
I’m in my 50s, and I’m just giving you some unsolicited 2 cents worth of learned-the-hard-way advice. I’m not trying to boss you around. 🙂 I guess that I just have some regrets. All to say, though, that we’re fixing up this house, and I’m making it my farm-in-the-subburbs! 🙂 It’s never too late!
That is my biggest source of sadness in this decision, in that I’m afraid we’ll miss the prime time of our boys growing up on a farm, as we really want. We’ve acknowledged, though, that all of the same life lessons, fun, exploration, etc. can happen right were we are.
On our street, there is a man who plants a border of sunflowers each summer along the edge of his yard. I noticed the other day that one sunflower was growing out of the crack between the sidewalk and the street. It was such a picture to me that we can bloom wherever we’re planted. So, I’m embracing what God has for us, knowing He knows the desires of my heart, trusting that He will work all things for our good and His glory.
Marian, A few years ago I was able to move from where I had lived all my life (40+ years) and I was so glad because I had wanted to get away for a long time. I loved where I moved to and I had trouble even coming back to visit even though all my family was here. Long story short I knew I needed to move back due to my mom’s health and I fought it. When I finally gave in and did it I got some peace in my heart. My time away was sort of magical and I am so glad God allowed me to have it. But now I have a little fixer upper I am pouring my heart and soul into and I know this is where I am supposed to be. The Bible verse I try to remember is God has a plan for you. There are certainly days this is easier said than done. But it is really neat to see how he works in our lives isn’t it?
Marie Claire,
I love your words of wisdom. Your examples of how to gain those wants now is brilliant. Another way to look at it (which my husband and I do in regards to a lake home someday) is a place for our grandchildren to have to come to with our own children. That is a lovely way to look at the dream also. And can be just as well done with a farm. 🙂
“We can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails to reach our ultimate destination”… Bon Voyage! 🙂
Isn’t is just astounding when we make a plan, and it seems so “obviously right”, but it doesn’t develop despite our best efforts? When a thing isn’t meant to be, no number of “open houses, realtors, price reductions” or anything else can (or should) make it happen. It’s a God-thing. And if we knock on a door and it doesn’t open, then it’s not the door for us at that tim, right? Bigger, better, more exciting doors may be in your future, or maybe there are other life lessons that will be revealed, but it will all unfold just as it should. And it will be wonderful!
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this! But all will work out in the end, that is for sure. I’m wondering if 3 months wasn’t enough time… I have a house in rural NE Pennsylvania (about an hour north of Scranton) and selling is very difficult. Average sale time is about a year. Having said that, maybe you can keep your home on the market (for sale by owner) while you go about the business of living your life. Whatever you do, I know it will work out. Good luck Marian!
I must admit I am shocked to read that in three months you never had one showing and therefore never had any constructive “feedback”. Not sure if you had a “Realtors Open House” but that is something most realtors in our area do. Networking among other realtors to create buzz and interest is a must. The hard fact is the market is different in every area and what might sell quickly in one area might not in another area no matter how great the home is or the price.
I am glad you and Jeff have put your disappointment behind you for the time being and decided to move on with life and further your business plans with renting commercial space. For now, we will enjoy seeing what other great things you do in your home and your new commercial space. When you do decide to put you house on the market again, I would try marketing and selling the home myself and inviting top area realtors in and offering them 2-3% if they bring in a buyer.
I really admire your attitude and your drive to “bloom where you are planted”. However, if you do want to sell again in the future, I was wondering if you need a “fresh look” at your home through the eyes of the house hunter?
I absolutely love your home and I know all of us who follow your blog really get your look. But unfortunately, more people are looking for a neutral palette, open & uncluttered spaces and an overall newer more modern feel. They really need to be able to picture themselves in your home and if it’s too personal to your taste and not theirs it will negatively impact your sale. It it were me I would be brutal in an attempt to remove clutter by donating or having one or more garage sales, pack up as many personal items as I could store and make the home look as neutral and open as possible. Severely limit the worn antiques and extra chairs & furniture that might make your home appear smaller than it is. When you take photos for the online shots highlight your wood floors, millwork, curved archways and original charm of the house. Finish all the little projects and fix the peeling floor so everything appears as well kept as possible.
Good luck with whatever path you choose, I know it will be beautiful.
Marian,
I forgot to add in my post that while I think Realtor Open Houses are great, I personally after speaking with some of my realtor friends don’t care much for “Open Houses”. Each realtor is different and some do it just to show a good faith effort to the buyer. First, you dont have control of who is coming in your home. Second, most are just curious and nosey and just want to look through your house. One of my realtor friends had a couple come through and steal prescription medicine out of the bathroom. Some realtors, because of the world we live in now don’t do them anymore because of safety concerns.
Like you, I believe in God guiding you when things are right. We bought our dream house and sold our current house in one day. That is a billboard size sign from God. This is a huge leap of faith and we are loving every minute of it.
God has a plan and that never changes. Something greater is in your future.
Thanks for sharing.
Wendy
I was in the exact situation as your family is a couple of years ago. Look at this as an opportunity. It’s easy to stay put when homes hold so many happy memories and you’ll see how hard it would’ve been to part with it. I quit saying ‘in my next house…’ and making plans for a future home when time is so precious why not enjoy it now? I made the home that is not a dream home into my dream home because of the heart I put into it. Here’s to new experiences and endeavors to help you fall in love with your home again.
As one who has been through the process, I can testify that God’s timing is always perfect, even if it doesn’t seem like it to us! He is infinitely wise and knows what’s best for us. Just rest in Him, trust in Him, and then watch what He accomplishes! And btw, I love your blue hutch in its new location!
Hey Marian,
Don’t sweat it. The time will come when you get that sale. It is probably better that you rent a space for awhile anyway, and get your business out of the house. You will feel refreshed and have a new outlook on everything. Renting is very flexible …. just don’t sign on for long leases…because you never know when another better location or building will come along and you;ll want to jump on it. Perphaps once you move your business out of the house, put that house back on the market again 😉
All the best to you!
Marian, I understand how you feel. I once had a house up for sale four years! I was so disappointed because I had my heart set on moving. The house was only seven years old & in perfect condition. I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t selling. God was in it because during that time my husband lost his 16 year good paying job & went back to school to re-train for another career. The week he graduated the house sold & he found another good job, and–we found the perfect house with God’s perfect timing. I like to quote the Bible verse that says, “…All things work together for good to them that love God…..” God has great things in store for you.
I am so sorry about this disappointment. I do want to let you know what an inspiration you are to me and obviously so many others. The Lord’s timing is perfect, and what it is the right moment for a move, there will be no doubt. I love that you have been able to see the positives on the flip side.
A little over 6 weeks ago, I was sure that I was going to rent forever. (Yes, there was a hissy fit or two involved in that.) But here I am in a wonderful 1930s foursquare fixer-upper painting as though my life depends on it! The way it all happened left no doubt in my mind it was the right house, at the right time, for us. I’m not sure I would have even considered a house like this without your book and your blog to show me how all this brown and red paint could be transformed. So, thank you for the inspiration!
Don’t despair, Marian. When it’s God’s timing, it will happen. You will be so happy that it didn’t work out “your way”, because all of the puzzle pieces will all finally come together, and it will be perfect. Keep praying and asking God for His perfect will in your life. And don’t be afraid to keep asking God for your dreams to come true, because He wants to give His children the desires of their hearts.
Can’t wait to see some of the changes you will be making to your current home. Anything you do will be beautiful. Thank God for your home, family, and health every day, and remember, this world and the things in it are only temporary. This is only a stopping place until we get to our true home in Heaven.
Blessings,
Beth.
and I know this may sound crazy to a lot of people….but have you thought about painting the exterior brick on the house, perhaps shutters & doors as well? Do some research and see if it would be beneficial to change it, talk to realtors and research exterior curb appeal….because I know your interior is FABULOUS…you could do a fabulous exterior makeover, your decorating skills are the bomb 😉
we just went through a very similar thing, house was listed for 5 months and got about 5 showings. ugh. so disappointing. we are off the market now, doing even more fix ups and hopefully going back on soon!
Hi there, good for you! I heard you say NEXT! and off you go, working with what you have, like me. I’ve been listening to Dave Ramsey every evening, and learning so much. He has links to his “ELPs” Endorsed Local Providers, in every venue. Real Estate is one of them.
They are only “endorsed” if they follow his teachings. Which are great! Budgeting etc you probably know about him.
Anyway maybe that might be an “option” down the road, wouldn’t hurt to ask when you are ready again.
I think I will for myself should I decide to move, yet again 🙂 The older I get, the more I’m thinking to tell myself to “shut up and colour” lol, be happy where I’m planted, so I look at options to add more space, move the space around etc. It is working so far! Good luck! I always look forward to your posts and have been watching your youtube videos as well, love them, keep the faith and go forward and most of all have fun! 🙂 hugs to you and yours Kat =^.^=
Oh Marian, I’m so sorry that this isn’t working out how you envisioned. It’s frustrating, and I appreciate your honesty about how you’ve been feeling.
We’ve been in a similar situation: 10 years ago, we found our dream place and I was already mentally imagining the life we’d live there, when the inspection came up with significant issues. We walked away from the sale, and I was weepy for days. A year or so later, we found the place where we are now, which is just right.
Not too long ago, DH referenced our house hunting adventures, and asked me what the best decision we’d made was. I responded with, “The house we bought.” And he responded with, “No, the best decision we made was the house we didn’t buy.” And he was right. Sometimes the path forward doesn’t feel like a forward step at the time, but retrospect may tell a different tale.
Bloom where you’re planted, and know that the right place at the right time will come along.
That’s right where we are right now. We have a contract pending inspection and loan and it doesn’t look as if we can agree with the seller on what needs to be done. I know they think we’re unreasonable and they have a beautiful house- and we know it’s 20 years old and all the mechanics in the house are coming to the end of their lifespan. We will find out tonight for sure if the sale can still go through- but it’s not looking likely. I was encouraged by your post.
Well said! I really feel for you as well, Marian. Disappointment just sucks, plain and clear. You will have your farm some day! Like Layla’s t-shirts say, “Don’t give up your daydream!” 🙂
Who or what is “DH”?
“Dear Husband”
Marian,
Being in our 70’s, we knew about 3 years ago it was time to downsize to a smaller, single story house. We live in the SF Bay area and in the most desired school district in our town so assumed selling would quick and easy. After 6 months, open house every weekend, hundreds of people touring the house, finding several houses we wanted to buy but couldn’t until ours sold, we finally got our FIRST offer which we accepted. Within a week we found a house that had just come on the market that met all of our wants and needs. Both houses closed on the same day. This house was so much better in every way than the ones we had found earlier. So this is my advice to you, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5 & 6. I wish I had learned to follow that advice earlier in my life. Remember, God’s timing is perfect.
Blessings to you and your family
I agree with Carol.
My house, inherited from my parents, has been in escrow since June 16 and I’ve been searching and bidding on homes and the “door” has not opened. I was ready to cancel the sale due to the pressure I perceived because it was taking so long for me to find a replacement home. Well, I didn’t cancel because I heard the Lord encourage me with the words “let go” and “move forward.” So I stopped stressing about losing the buyer and committed to trusting God for everything. Still haven’t found a replacement home and the buyer is still with me. The best house at the best price is out there for me…I just have to keep looking and not settle. Also, I’m beginning to “move forward” with the dream of starting my own business. Don’t be surprised if you see me selling “MMS” milk-painted furniture soon, among other things. BTW, I’m 66 and am planning on a long creative future that I didn’t pursue when I was younger.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Yeah, 3 months may not be a long time and selling another way ‘may’ work, but, in the end, you need to listen first to God, then to your husband. Trying to push our own plan over God’s will cause so many problems in the future. Perhaps, some day you can have that farm and do your classes in the current house. Maybe use it as your place of business. That way you won’t have to go through the process of selling it. Just thinking . . .
Well, Marian, I suppose, not having a single showing in 3 months was a pretty clear message.
My mother-in-law moved from Kansas to Colorado 2 months ago to be closer to her other sons, and she got 4 offers on her house within the first weekend the house was on the market. Now, mind you, Kansas RE market is pretty slow to begin with, and her house was built in the 70’s and didn’t have many updates since then. I am sure Pennsylvania RE market is no worse than Kansas… So, the Lord was clearly telling you to stay put. 🙂
Who knows, maybe your perfect farm hasn’t been put up for sale just yet. I’m sure He’ll have something much better for you in His perfect time.
Oh I feel for you! I have always wanted to live in the Country on a small farm where I could have a horse and a couple of chickens and more space to work and set up shop. We live in a subdivision in a little two story house we had built 9 years ago. Our home is cute but it is not my dream. No horse, no chickens. I also get frustrated because I don’t have enough room to work now that I am running my business from home.
But, our house will be paid off in less than 10 years, I have put so much of myself into our home and it is really cute. It is home. The market is sooo difficult now too. My neighbor has been trying to sell her house for months and has to keep dropping her price. Her husband got a new job in another state and has already moved away.
I really believe that God has a plan for each of us, even when we want something else, RIGHT NOW. I may not be living in my dream home right now and success in my business has not come easy to me so I have been trying to put my trust in God’s plan more these days and focusing on trying to relax.
I admit I’m shocked to hear you haven’t had ANY showings. I guess I assumed with your notoriety people would have been knocking your door down, even if there were no official offers!
I’ve been right where you are now, and it is hard! I know down the line you’ll look back and see what God was doing, but sounds like you’ve come to terms with where you are. Maybe all this “freshening” in the current house will lead to something else you just can’t imagine right now.
“I know the plans I have for you,” says God. “Plans for you to prosper and to do good.” I keep telling myself because the farm has been on the market for 2.5 months and a LOT of interest but no viewers. God will sell it when His plan is right to come to fruition. It’s discouraging but life is ups and downs; when it’s flat-lined, we’re dead.
Doesn’t God know just where to take us and keep us fully dependent in Him? For us women it really seems to be our homes that anchor our security, and we all seem to have a story to share that speaks to putting our faith and trust in Him. For us it was a lease option that was supposed to lead to a purchase and because of deceit by the home owners, didn’t. But The Lord has led us to a different home, far better than we could have imagined, great for our business, perfect for some goals we have in mind. Trust in a Him Marian! He will give you exceedingly, abundantly more! Keep enjoying where you are at, using your creative gifts to make your home perfect for your family, enjoying where The Lord is taking your business, and be blessed! Romans 8:28!
Marian,
It’s taken me a long time to learn to let go of everything and not cling to what I want. Sounds like this is something the Lord wanted you to learn as well. All His lessons are good, if we only accept them!
My husband and I dreamed of selling our small ranch in Syracuse NY and buying a larger house more in the country with more land. After looking for six months and almost buying a house that would have been a money pit, we decided to stay put and renovate. We’re delighted with our house now, and it’s small enough to be easy to care for. The Lord knew.
About your floor–hemp oil is probably easier for you, but have you ever looked into a European hard oil finish? It takes only one coat, forms a molecular bond with the wood floor, cures in less than seven days with the optional accelerator (in warm weather, you can walk on the floor and move furniture onto it after 48 hours), and is permanent. It requires no wax and gives a lovely matte finish. It’s also very easy to care for. We just love it. The product we used was Rubio Monocoat.
I certainly relate to your frustration that your home has not sold. We have had our house on the market for the last three summers and not a offer yet. I feel like you, this house was not to sell for a
reason. We had high hopes of buying three other homes but they sold……which was probably a good thing, If the homes were still on the market my husband would duct tape my mouth everyday as I would be telling him…..I want “my dream home” We have decided to remodel our house….. and since we are staying in the area, I will move forward with opening my consignment shop….So, not a bad deal after all. Thanks for sharing your experience with your home.
God is always in charge, isn’t he? My husband and I were finally empty nesters. My mother passed away last year after living with us for 21 years. My daughter is off to college and her own life. So I was excitedly updating the house…..with the thought that we might sell and move a bit closer to my husband’s work. We were literally in the middle of a master bath remodel when we had family in town to celebrate my father-in-law’s 80th birthday. My husband was feeling a little under the weather ~ his leg was a bit swollen, but he was determined to take the guys out shooting sporting clays. While they were out, his leg really started to bother him…..fast forward to a Saturday night trip to see a vascular surgeon who found a clot and immediately put him in the hospital. Two days later they did a procedure to remove the clot and he coded on the table of a pulmonary embolism and passed away. So, 7 weeks ago my whole life changed in an instant. Now I’m hoping I can stay in my house, as it holds 20 years of memories. I’ve gone from being a constant care giver to contemplating “What do I want to do now with this space?” instead of designing in anticipation of others’ needs. SO….God is definitely in charge and I’m trying to discover a new normal. I’m sure when the time is right, there will be a buyer for your house that loves it as much as you have. And that perfect farm? It will probably be better than any of the others you had your heart set on!
OH Kate- I am so sorry. We are probably around the same age. I can only imagine what these days of disbelief and grief have been like for you. You sound like a woman who is blessed with wisdom and goodness. May God bless your steps.
Kate,
I am so very sorry.
Peggy
Kate, reading your message made me so thankful for everything I have. I have heard your story so many times before. My sister lost her husband just before his first grandchild was born,he was 45 years old and I saw that pain my sister went through.I hope you have good family and friends to help you deal with your loss. Stay strong.
Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. I just had another reminder about the brevity of life. A man who served with our youth group a few years ago died in an accident yesterday. Their family has been heavy on my heart and I can’t imagine how you must feel as well. It makes something like a house hunt and rearranging furniture seem so unimportant. It puts it all into perspective. I pray for comfort for you in this time of change…
Dear Kate, I am so sorry for the losses in your life. Eventhough I’ve been a caregiver to my parents and seen them die back to back within a year’s time, to lose your mate behind the death of your mother tears at the heart of those of us who read your comments. Your attitude reflects your centeredness in God as your all in all. We all join with Ms. Marian in lifting you up to our Creator, that He (Abba Father) comfort you with His presence and peace as you begin this new journey with Him. He is always by your side, isn’t He? He will never leave you or forsake you, will He?
Bless you Marian. I pray that you will have your farm soon.
xoxo,
Deb
Marian,
My heart is full of a lot of things to tell you, but you already know all of them.
God bless you & your family…trust in the Lord…He has you!
Cathy
Have you given serious thought to renting out your current home instead of selling?
I totally understand what you are saying. We are anxious to move and build a home on a farm to but have decided we are too busy and it’s not the right time and that we should appreciate where God has put us for this specific time. We looked at two places and fell in love and they both sold and we were so upset but now I don’t look because I don’t want to know what’s on the market until we’re ready.
Loved this post! Mostly because I can identify with the disappointment. My husband is a pastor and we live in a parsonage (a good experience, but still not my own home). We have owned 3 homes on previous occasions that we were able to fix up and sell. Now we are basically renting….so the waiting for something that is mine has been a bit hard. It’s been 8 years and God hasn’t opened the door for home ownership right now thought we’ve looked and actually found a beautiful farmhouse. God’s ways aren’t ours, but I can rest in His direction. Thank you so much for sharing your disappointment and being transparent regarding your feelings. You are a blessing!
Thanks, I needed to hear your perspective today. For two years I’ve been waiting on having a second little house or apartment in another location where my husband would have a college teaching job. The house where we are by my parents (we need to be here in a care-giving role for them) would be home base, where I would be most of the time and my husband would be doing the back and forth weekends etc. The extra little house or apartment would help me not feel so crowded in the current little house and would provide the “storage” needed for the extras that don’t quite fit, but that I don’t want to get rid of. Well, after two years of searching and lots (LOTS) of slammed doors, we are coming to the conclusion that God is saying stay put and do something where you are. So, my husband has embraced substitute teaching and is looking at teaching private piano as well. I need to be creative and make this one little house work for us. As much as I want him to have his dream of teaching college, I realize that only having one household to keep up with is better (and it is really preferable), and even though he will be making much less income here, the cost of living is also cheaper than a lot of places, and with only one set of expenses we may actually be better off. I have dreamed of being able to just move with him to a nice college town, but then I remember why I’m here and how much I love my parents and staying put in a small town with little opportunities career wise, is worth it. God always has a plan and sometimes, no matter how much we dream or plan, he simply says stay put. I have known this in my heart for a while. But reading your post today helped me embrace it, so thanks!
I’m so sorry, Marian, that things have not turned out the way you planned. I can commiserate. We just took our house off the market after six months and only two showings. I, too, was dreaming of that next place, and the decorating challenges that come with it. Fun! But we’ve decided to stay put since the kids are starting school next week and we don’t want to disrupt our oldest’s freshman year of high school. That means my husband will continue living in another state for 4 days a week for his work. I have put it all totally in God’s hands, because otherwise I don’t know what I’d do! Continued success with your business ventures, and I know that when the time is right it will all fall into place.
xo Kathleen
All in God’s time.
We took our house off the market today, too. We haven’t been on long and had showings, but the flash flooding in MD gave us 6inches of standing water this afternoon. We already ripped up the floor and I’m having a WAWA cheesesteak and reading blogs before facing it again. I’m glad God showed you it wasn’t the time to sell in a gentle fashion….I must be hardheaded and needed a flood to get the message!
Marian,
I love, love, love this post, and all the comments from those before me. I am grateful to you for your honesty. I too have been dreaming of my own farmhouse. I have come to realize that it is not the time for this dream and I will also stay put for the next year and see what comes. I am the single mom of 4 wonderful children and realize that with all the obstacles I have overcome, I am more aware than ever that when the time is right, God will show me the way. So, instead of dreaming and wishing, I will commit that I will bloom where I am planted. Here I am, Lord.
May I ask what color you used on your hutch?
I wanted to let you know that the same thing happened to friends of ours…and in the end, The Lord did reveal the reason why the house did not sell. Be at peace and enjoy your revamping. One day you will know the reason.
Oh wow! We did the same thing about 22 years ago. We had our house on the market in Southern California. It was a real bad recession and nothing was selling. We lived in a condo complex and a brain surgeon that lived 2 doors down form us was selling his house completely furnished by a professional decorator for the exact same asking price as we had.
We had a showing scheduled and the realtor said that they were also going to show the Dr.s’ house. I was just thinking that he would never ever want our house. The Dr’s house, everything matched. The curtains matched the couch, that matched the love seat that matched the bedroom suites that matched the coffee cups that matched the silverware. You get it…
Well, I had painted some beautiful stencils on the wall…. and this was an end unit with a green belt overlooking the beautiful pool area…
Well, the man that was looking at our home was a dwarf.
This dwarf worked at Disneyland as one of the characters.
And he was so in love with the stenciling that I had painted on the wall – that he paid full price.
It took us 2 years to sell it. We finally let our guard down and decided what will be will be.
God had a plan in it all along.
Not only did we move to a beautiful part of the country, I was able to get pregnant within the first year of being here. I was told I would never ever have children –
So be patient! It will sell in time.
I had a child in “Gods” time.
Also, if I lived in that part of the country, I would sweep up your home in an instant. I love, love, love your home!
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers –
Our 1857 farm found us about 7 years ago. It does happen, it does. Keep that faith.
Kari
Hello Marion,
I feel your disappointment…..it happened to us too. Be assured God does have a special plan for you….as he did for us. We had found, what we thought was the perfect place for us. We put in an offer and it was accepted upon the selling of our home. Our home would not sell. Lots of lookers because it was an old Victorian. We ended up taking it off the market and waiting a year and a half. In that time, hubby got a job promotion and we needed to be in a different area. (We would of had to move again.)…….BUT the MOST amazing thing that came with the new area and better house was new neighbors that were Born Again Christians. Who patiently showed us that we needed to be saved!!! Amen to that!!!! God certainly had a plan!!!
He has one for you too!!!
I have experienced this so many times. Wanting what I want, now and not on God’s timing. I find that when I rest in him, He gives me his peace and I am always blessed beyond what I was wanting originally.
I pray, that he reveals his plans for you soon and that you enjoy your new found excitement for your home!
Yes, I think lime washing the outside brick to a creamy color and painting the shutters might be fun if not for selling then for you to keep till you are ready! It would give a more chateau look that would match your interior.
I’d recommend a new realtor.
I was wondering what your realtor had felt about keeping your beautiful MMS décor up throughout the home selling period as you had. You have a very lovely decorated home – magazine-worthy. I was pondering whether or not that worked against you in the home selling process. The reason I ask is because in the mid-2000s, I had tried to sell my home, and most of the realtors told me to take all my decorations down and have minimal furniture out. They wanted it more stark and less personalized. They said that the decorations were a distraction – people will be oohing and ahhing at my décor and looking at that, and not my actual house. “This is no longer your home but a house to sell” was the line they gave me, and said that most people want to see a plain canvas so they can envision their things in the home, not mine. So perhaps your home looked TOO nice for the average buyer. Sounds crazy, I know. But plausible!
Maybe… I didn’t show it in pictures, but we did modernize the light fixtures, removed some of the furniture, but we did leave a lot of things in place. I think it is a bit harder for me, since I use the place for my business as well. I still have to be able to take pictures and work on projects. But, something to think about for next time!
To be honest, I am totally amazed that you haven’t had one person through your house, that is something that just doesn’t happen in Auckland, NZ. Your house is gorgeous so nothing to do with that, obviously the state of the housing market in the USA or your area.
Like you say, maybe this is not in God’s timing and it will give you the time to think what you might like to do to your home. Sometimes it is far cheaper to stay and extend than to move. We are going through this scenario at the moment. I am busy doing up the house, I love it but would like something bigger. I would like to build but my other half doesn’t want to move away from the beach and sections around here are few and far between or too expensive.
I am looking forward to seeing what you might do with your house.
Lee
I’m in shock! Having been to your house, I know how incredibly beautiful it is. I know so many of us would love to do a tour-but that won’t help it sell. I can’t wait to see what you do next-there and in your farm, where I know you will be one day!
As you know, we thought we were adopting twins in May, and it fell through. I can really relate to that sense of what you thought you’d be doing a few months ago…our plans will be revealed, it just takes time, right? Hugs to you. -Ella
I grew up in a house that my mom hated, though I didn’t know it at the time. We lived there for 10 years- from my ages 6 to 16. All the while, we owned farmland outside the suburb we lived in. My junior year of highschool, my parents built thier dream house on that farm and we moved out to the country. I lived in that house for 18 months before I went off to college, then a couple of stints in the summers after that. I’m the younger of two kids, so my older brother never technically lived there at all– but, it’s still “home” to both of us! I’m now 30 and my parents house is one of my very favorite places to be! I even insisted we plan a reception following my destination wedding to be held at my parents house because I felt like the house was a member of the family and I didn’t want to exclude it. 🙂 All that to say, even if you don’t get there until later on thier lives, your kiddos can still connect to your dream house! I think knowing that my parents planned for so many years to build on the farm makes it more special for all of us. And, older kids when you eventually move means they can be a more engaged part of the process– which helps them connect in a different way.
I understand the frustration of living in limbo. Now that you have decided to stay it can be a relief and an inspiration as it sounds like it already is one. Realtors seem to market homes differently in different areas and the fact that they didn’t bring anyone to see the house could be their marketing approach or the price. Enjoy your new approach to your present house and all your work will pay off…
I have sold every house I ever owned in a month or less. My advice to you is this- get a different agent, make sure you’ve priced your home to sell, stage it in a way that allows people to see you have mentally moved out. When I saw your photos it appeared to me that you were still very much invested in living there. By the time you have appropriately staged your home it shouldn’t feel or look like your home at all. Paint every single room a neutral color- we just painted a rental property we sold in a week in a taupey grey. Color is not your friend when trying to sell a home- my grandmother had her own real estate company and she used to say that blue walls sale killers. Move as much as possible out of your house- get a storage unit if necessary. And, lastly, have a couple of creative open houses… begin with area realtors…have a brunch, luncheon or a coffee and cookies gathering. Then have an open house for buyers. Again, advertise, advertise, advertise and make your home look and feel and smell as warm and welcoming as possible…. Don’t give up on a dream because this time it didn’t pan out. You have moved mountains in your home. You can do this. Is it going to be easy? Not with a business and kids in the mix, but it’ll be worth it. You have inspired thousands- let us all lift you and help you realize a dream. You deserve it.
I’m so sorry things haven’t gone to plan. Are people insane? Your home is SO beautiful! I hope you find the faith and patience you need now that you’re temporarily staying. I’m gutted with you. I was also looking forward to Miss Mustard Seeds Farmhouse dream.
Give it a chance. 3 months on the market is not a long time. I can understand your frustrations with no showings but it will happen. Don’t give up!!!…Follow your goals!!!
I’m really sorry that the farmhouse dream has not worked according to your timing. But, in reading your post…I realized that it reminded me of something. The Nesting Place book – the one you wrote the intro for? One of the big things I took away from that lovely book was learning grace and contentment where God has placed us in the *now*, for our living situation. Your coming to terms with it all, reminded me of that. 🙂 What a timely message for us all.
I’m going to chalk my memory up to Pregabrain, as I am 8 months along and just not firing on all cylinders. I was referring to the right book, “The Nesting Place” by Myquilyn Smith”. *However* you wrote the intro for Shaunna’s book. I just got my wires crossed.
But if you haven’t read Myquilyn’s book – I highly recommend it for you Marian. I thought it was a decorating/interior design book…but it’s so much more and I found myself reading it slower to make it last longer and savoring every page.
I’m so impressed by you. Thank for being honest about your true feelings on your house and not selling. We have been on the disappointing real estate a few times in our 11 years of marriage but God provided the most amazing place and we can’t believe it’s where we live. I’m sure when you look back you’ll see His perfect timing and know that the provision was directly from the Lord. May He continue to bless you in your newest venture… thank you for your inspiration!!!
There’s a nice old farmer somewhere who is going to decide that he’s had enough of the cold winter weather this year! “Your” farm is getting ready to welcome you ~ don’t want to push that sweet, hard- working man out just yet, do you?! And remember, this is the first school year for the family to adapt to your son’s JD schedule, as well as DH’s adjusted work hours. Relax and enjoy the dreaming phase. And for every person who tells you to turn your house into a blank slate for ideal sales, there wll be someone like me: I ignored the advice, and sold my charming Cape Cod home ONLINE at FULL PRICE to an out-of-state buyer in less that 24 HOURS ~ French Country style, all blues and yellows and reds, with family antiques, painted kitchen floor, Toile bathrooms and geraniums bursting out of every window box (curb appeal is #1). Obviously, somebody will love your home just as it is, so live in it happily and it will sell. Your book, blog & Luckett’s are proof of that! XoXo
This is a wonderful comment, Terrie. 🙂 Thank you for the encouraging words.
For everything there is a season . . . .
How very wise of you to see the difference between God’s time and yours.
There is no doubt he will bring you the desires of your heart in due time.
Thank you for sharing
Hi Marian, have loved your site and ideas for several years now and I’m always encouraged here! I hope your “farm house” dreams come true someday. But I have to share that when we decided to rent an old charming farmhouse to make all our dreams come true, we ended up have major major problems…a leaky and moldy basement, many many flies that we could never get rid of, noisy tractors that would wake us up at night, extra financial challenges even though we had the “country” life I’d aways dreamed. I ended up getting very ill probably from the mold (we couldn’t see in the home) and we were able to move quickly because we were only renting but it taught me alot!!!
Hi,
I feel your pain and agree with many comment about how it will happen in the Lords time. But if you are like me sometimes it takes more than a subtle message sometimes in the past The Lord has had to slap me right in the face lol. You are entitled to your disappointment, you are only human! It is hard when you have your heart set and The Lord reminds us who is in charge! But like many others have said he has a perfect plan for you. Though sometimes his timing is so different from our own! Can’t wait to see the Lords plan for you and your family come to fruition. I feel certain he has great things in store for you and who knows maybe you were thinking too small perhaps The Lord has a greater plan for you than you could have ever dreamed:) just look at how far he has taken you so far, could you have imagined your life 10 or 15 years ago! Just since I have been following you you have gone from small blogger to author and milk paint guru! Just keep what is important in the forefront and God will take you where you need to be!!!
Learning to be content where we are is really hard sometimes. I think in the end, it may be a good thing. Having time to rent a commercial space will really help you define your needs better. Once you get into a commercial space, you’ll figure out what will work for your business and what’s not working as well. Those are things that take time to learn. Once you know that, when the time comes, you’ll have new information that will help you view properties will “new eyes” so to speak…maybe you’ll figure out something your farm will need that you haven’t thought of until now. Anyway, all the best to you. You managed to get a lot of projects done for the home sale and now you can enjoy them!
Love the distinction between “devastated” and “disappointed”. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in “things” and forget how very blessed we are in so many ways.
Marian, the house God has in mind for you guys must be absolutely amazing and so perfect for you and your family…and it’s just not ready, yet. I just know one day I’ll be reading a post where you’ll be saying, “Thank goodness we didn’t move and didn’t buy those other homes, or we would never be where we are today.”