You may think it odd, to write about someplace that

only exists in one's mind, in a dream.   

But, such it is with Hearthstone Farm.

For years, my husband and I dreamt of such a place - land to harvest a garden, to house a family cow, horse and, undoubtedly, a handful of chickens. From our fast-paced life in Phoenix, it seemed such hopes would remain merely dreams, but God....

There is a precious lady in our church who says her favorite phrase in the Bible is "But God...." 

Think about it.

The earth had been destroyed, "But God remembered Noah," (Gen. 8:1); Joseph, having been sold into slavery says to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good," (Gen. 50:20); our precious Lord was crucified, "but God raised him from the dead on the third day" (Acts 10:40).

It is as though the Lord keeps our dependence on Him clear - the impossible confronts us, but God....   We will not delve into the "impossibilities" the Lord has brought our family through, though it will suffice to say we have found true "the testing of your faith produces endurance."  We would, however, very much like to chronicle the next "impossibility" the Lord has set before us: Hearthstone Farm.

Two "city-bred" parents, four excited children: lots of ideas and plans, little to nil on the experience chart! 

Soooo...it begins with finding a place - a perfect place - to settle in and to christen "Hearthstone Farm."  Perfect, of course, meaning several rolling Tennessee acres, with not-so-several dollars!  Amazingly, we happened upon such a place, beautiful beyond description. It even had a cantilever barn (can someone explain to us why they're build angling inwards? Thanks!).  The owners agreed to our price, but before we were able to come to them with a contract, another (more attractive!) offer came to them.  I cried.  The elder two children were sorely dissappointed.  The dream was delayed.  We sat down as a family to continue praying, knowing that the Lord must have something even better in store. 

To our collective surprise, just this past week, we received a call from the owners of this wonderful property, explaining that the "deal had not gone through" and they expressed a desire for our family to purchase their property! 

My husband and I could hardly believe what we were hearing! In our excitement, I suggested we not tell the children yet, until perhaps the property were under contract, so as not to disappoint them (potentially) again.  However, my husband in great wisdom, reminded me that "as we've involved the children in this process, it's important that they pray with us through these steps" - even if it is emotional.  The children's faith, as ours, is strengthened in the struggle.

It was with GREAT joy the news was received by the four children, and this very day, the 19th of May, 2007, we walked the property - chatting about dreams for the old barn, how the barn cat (whom Karis named Puff!) was a good "mouser," admiring the beautiful trees and rolling hills, and expressing thanks to God for this possibility.  And so, perhaps we are actually here at the threshold of what we had only dared to dream.  Years of hoping for the impossible.

But God....