When God Changes Our Direction

Hi Cottage Friends,

Thanks for all your encouraging comments about my plans to purchase a mobile home. I have to say it's a lot more fun going through this process when I have friends like you to cheer me on. What wonderful people you all are!

So, the title of my post today introduces the subject at hand. You'll remember in my last post I told you there were some maintenance issues to work out before the deal was closed. The biggest problem was the roof. My home inspector told me there was quite a bit of damage, probably from hail, and he would recommend the roof be replaced. The seller had already discounted the home considerably, so there was no wiggle room for him to replace at his cost. However, since the damage appeared to be caused by hail, his home insurance would most likely cover it, after the $500 deductible. I was willing to pay the deductible to get a new roof. Because, as you probably know, the foundation and the roof are the two most important features of a home. Well, the insurance company dragged their feet, we extended the contract a week to give them more time, but after a week they wanted more time to get an insurance adjuster out to the site, and I started to feel funny about the whole thing. If I gave them another week, who's to say they wouldn't still need more time. I just started to feel like this home was going to be more trouble than it was worth, so I terminated the contract. My realtor was about to list a newer mobile home in a nearby 55+ park for about the same price. I was intrigued, so he set up an appointment for the next day, and after I saw it I knew God had a whole other plan for me. I mean, this home is so much better in every way than the other one was. And it had a brand new roof and skylights -- just completed the day before. So, I made an offer on this sweet place.



The owners had some cosmetic changes they wanted to make to the interior, but I suggested they forego them so that I could do the work myself in my own style in exchange for a lower selling price. They were happy to oblige, so I ended up getting this home for the same price as the other one. And, the really good news is that the home appraised well.

It's so easy when things aren't going right to question what God is up to. Especially when we've already invested money along the way (home inspection fee, application for the park fee) -- it starts to add up and we wonder why God would allow us to go that far if He really cares about us. But, that's the wrong way to look at it. God is always at work, moving the pieces, getting things lined up. And it's not just about me. There's a seller involved, a realtor, a loan officer, an inspector, and on and on. He's concerned about each one of those individuals, as much as He is about me. So, I don't question His wisdom, nor do I question spending money to get to where I am today. I'm saving money on the lot rent on this second home, on repairs I would have had to make on the other home, not to mention the amount of time it would take to bring the other home up to the standards of this one. Truly, God is wise. And God is good. All. the. time.

Today I spent a little time looking at photos of the cottage in Oregon. It's a darling place, and I'm satisfied with the work I put into it. I could look back with regret at having left it, but here's the thing: it's only a house. Really. It's just a house. I believe strongly that life is so much more than material things, and that possessions don't bring happiness. What matters is relationships. The number one relationship in my life is Jesus Christ. I would not be where I am today if not for His sacrifice. I was a mess before He rescued me. That was way back in 1973, and a lot has happened since then. Some good things. Some not so good things. No matter, though, because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He never changes. Circumstances change, but He never changes. That's why I have confidence that as I continue this journey -- this life changing journey -- He will not let me fail. I may stumble, I may even fall. But He will not let me stay down. He will always lift me up. He will always see me through. I know this from the Bible, and I know this experientially.

Many of you have told me you're praying for me. I can't tell you what that means to me. Prayer is powerful when we're praying to the One who holds everything together. He hears us, He responds to us. He is infinitely interested in each one of us, and He never gets bored with us. Isn't that amazing? I think it is. To think that our Creator is excited to spend time with us? Wow! Thank you, Lord!

My closing date is next Friday, June 5, and I take possession on June 10. Then the fun begins. I've been pinning ideas for updates I want to make on the home. It's pretty dated -- think 90's Hollywood lights in the bathrooms, mauve and blue countertops in the kitchen (and baths). Thankfully, it has descent wood cabinets throughout, and they can be painted. I know how to do that. And countertops? Well, there's a plethora of things that can be done to them, from painting them -- to full replacement. 



I'm happy that most of the VOG walls have been redone.




The VOG still remains in the kitchen and bathrooms. So, one of the first things I'll do is remove the battens, smooth them over with drywall compound, and paint over the oh-so-lovely vinyl wall covering. 




The oh-so-lovely VOG in the kitchen.

There's a charming little enclosed patio just off the entrance that I can't wait to get my hands on.





The paving needs some work, but picture this with loads of flowers in containers, and some climbing roses or other flowers. 



I think just adding pea gravel to the existing pavers would do the trick. Look at the patio "floor" in this photo. It's basically the same pavers as the ones in my home with pea gravel added.


Source

So, what do you say? Want to join me on this adventure? We'll stop for breaks along the way, drink some iced tea or lemonade, and soak up some Colorado sunshine. It'll be fun.

Hugs,






26 comments

  1. Oh Nancy, I am so happy for you. Getting the price down and allowing you to make the changes is a perfect blessing. You know how you want it and having a project that you enjoy will help add some happy times to your life.
    Specking of happy times . . . well, reading your testimony has truly blessed my day. Every word you wrote is a truth that I can identify with. The enemy would like us to wallow in self-pity and loneliness, but we are not alone and we have a Savior that has our best interests held close to His heart. Again, I am so glad that I visited your blog today, because your words where exactly what I needed to hear.
    God bless you, sweet sister,
    Connie

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  2. Oh Nancy congrats on the new place. It looks so cute and yep God is in charge and things work out for the right reasons. I am glad this came on the market for you. I know you will have it looking so cute. The fun part is going on pinterest and other sites to gather ideas. Have fun and congratulations. Life is going in a great direction for you now.
    Hugs
    Kris

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  3. I'd love to come along on your new adventure! No doubt, God will continue to lead you, every step of the way, as you create a new home. He IS in all of the details of our lives and everything that concerns us, concerns Him. He will help you, Nancy, and I'll bet you'll love your new nest.

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    1. I believe I will love my "new nest", Pam. God is so faithful, isn't He? I am in awe of His love and mercy, His grace and compassion. I just love Him more and more every day! Hugs.

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  4. Hello Nancy!

    Well, things truly turned out far better for you and because of your savvy and diligence to investigate further, you scored indeed! I wish you happiness and peace in your new HOME!

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  5. Oh dear Nancy ~ God works all things out for our good and His honor and glory. What a delightful place you have ended up with. I look forward to going on this home remodeling project with you. God's continued blessings on you. Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  6. Nancy, this new home for you looks lovely and even though you see where to
    remodel, as is for the time being seems a good way to start. You have such an
    eye for change and detail. Those things elude me. It will be a fun new start on
    life close to your family and with the new job, you will be so busy. God is our
    answer to all questions. And Jesus is our salvation. You will be happy, I am sure.

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    1. Yes, Lynn, I'll be busy. However, I hope I'll have the good sense to allow for periods of rest. I have a bad habit of not being able to just relax when there are so many things that need attention. I'd like to get the patio in shape so I can enjoy it over the summer. Then, in the winter when we're all shut in, I can concentrate on working on the interior. I think that sounds like a good plan, don't you?

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  7. Hi...What a crazy insane deal you got on that mobile, good for you.!! I used to get a blog called Magazine your home, tried to share it but it now says invite only. She remodeled a mobile and you'd never know it was once inside, she did a beautiful job. Look forward to what you have in store for your new home. Also nice that your in a 55+ park. Seems sometimes a gut feeling is God saying go with it, I'm always glad I did. Best wishes with your home and new job.

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  8. Hi Nancy,
    Thank you for sharing today. God is good, even when we are lost at what seems to be going on. I agree. We recently moved Sam from his little apartment, his lease expired at the end of May. He has been deployed since the end of March with COVID19 testing, so there was no sense to continuing renting(his deployment has been extended into July) it is hard to be patient and wait to see what will happen next. But, as your story shared, it is best to wait on God. Thank you again for sharing Nancy, so well said.
    Congratulations and I am excited to see your sweet cottage. Carla

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  9. I am so happy for you! God has a plan as long as we listen and figure it out!💖

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  10. Nancy, this is so wonderful!! Meant to be for sure. What a wonderful place, it's so charming. I just know there are tons of creative makeovers in your future and I can't wait to see them all. That porch is just darling. I see many sunny, flower-filled, summer mornings in your future. Enjoy every one of them. Hugs and best of luck for an easy closing.

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  11. Oh, I love, love, LOVE it!!!!! I can just envision the finished product when you have applied your special, amazing touch, and even now, it is just adorable! The patio will be such a fun project! I can't wait to watch all of it unfold as God leads you one step at a time on this new, exciting life adventure. I loved your little cottage in Oregon so much, and I love how you can look back on that and use it as a stepping stone to today and how far God has brought you. May He just bless your every move and be with you and give you many happy years in your beautiful new home!

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  12. Yes, can't wait for the fun to begin. So happy and excited for you. With your eye for detail and adventure, this will be an exciting chapter for you. You will be near your family and yet on your own. Best of luck for you in the future.

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  13. As the saying goes... "Yes God does work in mysterious ways"... I've experienced it many times! We are sad at first, and then things end up better than before! I'm happy that you've found your new nest to settle into, and it sounds like His plan was a good one.. that you did not end up buying the one that needed so much work - and perhaps had problems you weren't even aware of! I look forward to share your new adventure with you.. and yes.. please do take rests and time in between your work.. plus I understand you now have a full time job too! I still work at a job (at my age?) yes! But it's part time and mostly I work from my home. I love that.. and the real "office" is only about 1/2 mile from my house! So though I really wish I didn't HAVE to work for the finances, I'm thankful that I have this job where I can work mostly from home. I think your new cottage is darling and lovely even the way it is....... I lived in a similar mobile years ago and I still have very fond memories of it. Take care and looking forward to your next installment! Hugs.. Marilyn

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  14. Wow! What a ride! I pray the closing goes smoothly and that your decorating visions work out well. I know you're going to bring that space to a beautiful and comfortable space--home. That patio is going to be lovely! 🙏❤️

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  15. Hi Nancy,
    Just left a voice mail for you. I am so happy for you and know that having a 'new to you' nest will be so awesome. I know your mind is swirling with ideas on how to make it perfect for your needs. The outside looks sweet and I know it will soon be surrounded in beautiful flowers. What a perfect time of year to get a new nest. God blessed you with more than you imagined it seems. Lovely post my friend.

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  16. "The most important things in life, aren't things!"
    This has been my motto for years.

    I'm on board! Take me with ya.
    Can't wait to see your next step.

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  17. Yeah. So glad for you. Can't wait to watch the fun.

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  18. Oh Nancy I love it, especially the little patio. I have those same blue counter tops but I like them. LOL Yes, God makes all things happen for our good in his time. Can't wait to see the progress as you change your mobile home into a cottage home. Funny, I have been looking to buy a small house and sell my mobile and I received an offer today. Now I have to buy a house, and close in 30 days. I have 3 in my go see list and praying it will happen soon. God bless you Nancy.

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  19. It's adorable! I enjoyed how your thoughts on how God has been with you through all the tough times, not just the great. The little patio is adorable. If they allow you to plant things, there is the alternative of planting herbs between the stones. You will have a lot of nice projects ahead. xoxo Su

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  20. Hello Nancy, I'm so pleased for you, it was meant to be. My lovely Scottish friend always says "What's for you won't go past you". I'm definitely up for joining you on the journey and look forward to sharing your progress. Lot of hugs and good wishes for your new future x

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  21. I am SO excited for you, dear friend! I love the way God's plan are always for our good - and this is a good one. I loved the confidence you expressed so well in God's leading in your life. I can't wait to see how you make your new home 'you'. Wish I could head your way, roll up my sleeves and help fill those VOC joints and paint. We'd have such fun when we could sit back and look at the change. Yes, I'm on board for the ride. And - maybe someday we'll be nearby and can have that good, long visit we've talked about forever!

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  22. I'm so excited for you, Nancy! This is a wonderful new adventure and I can't wait to see what you do with this darling space.
    Amalia
    xo

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  23. It's a very charming place! I am so happy you got it!! The Lord does looks after us. You will make memories at this place!

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