Dear Diary,

Can't believe it's been almost a year since I've posted here.  I have still not given up hope.  Life has gotten in the way of my plans - but God's timing is perfect.  Patience is a virtue.  Working on mine.

Dear Diary,

Okay, once again we're back at square one.  Thankfully, God closed (slammed) the door on what I was sure was going to be The Scrap Inn.  Luckily, things did not progress as quickly as I wanted them to, and in the end we were saved from a BIG mistake. 

As I've said before God's timing is perfect.  Once again I feel like even though things did not go the way I thought they should, that they went just as they should have and we have gained more knowledge.  I thank God, that He saved us from what would have been a terrible mistake, and that He closed the door in a way that there is "no one to blame".

I shared with my sister that if this didn't work out I was going to be very disappointed.  Her response was - "with who?"  I had to think about that one - and realized that it would be wrong for me to be disappointed, because if it didn't work out it was as it should be.  I also believe God prepared me beforehand for the closed door.  I also thank Him, that it was obvious to both Bob and I that the door was closed!

What an awesome God I serve.  Now the search continues - with a renewed desire for God's leading.  

Dear Diary,

Paperwork is in the works!  Please keep praying. Happy New Year!

Dear Diary,

Yesterday, they were talking on the radio about dreams.  And how God wants to fulfil our dreams - because he's the one that places dreams within us.  They talked about the verse that says God will give you the desires of your heart, and how the desires of our heart are placed there by God.

I have to agree with that.  This all started with a dream that God placed in my heart, almost 1 year ago.  There been lots of up and downs along the way - but the desire / dream is still there.  Today the dream may take it's first major step.

We are trying to get a realistic idea of how much repairs and upgrades are going to cost on the house I believe to be The Scrap Inn.  The plan is to make an offer today.  For all to fall into place God is going to have to open doors, that some people would think impossible.  I believe they are possible, but only if God opens them.

Please pray that things go as they are suppose to.  That doors are opened and closed as God directs, and that we walk in obedience to Him.

Dear Diary,

The house met with Bob's approval.  We are going to pursue it - by getting some estimates done & then determining what to offer. 

This morning as I was praying about "The Scrap Inn"  I realized that it may take God moving some mountains for it to happen - but then I was reminded that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountains.  And if this is The Scrap Inn - He will do just that.

Please continue to pray that God will lead and direct and give us wisdom and discernment as things progress.   

Dear Diary,

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted.  Mainly, because nothing has been happening.  The market for homes has kind of dried up - there just didn't seem to be anything out there, until Friday.

I looked at a home on Friday - I LOVE the location - the lot is the perfect size.  The house is 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and is in pretty good shape. I think it would be the excellent Scrap Inn.  But as usual there are issues, which I won't go into.  But they are things that God will have to work out - if this is in deed The Scrap Inn.  I'm trying not to get too excited about the possibility - I hate disappointment. 

On Friday on my way to work I was reminded of God's timing - how it's ALWAYS perfect.  So my prayer continues to be that God will open and close doors as He sees fit.  That I won't run ahead of Him or lag behind.  And that I will rely on Him and His timing. 

Oh my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always Troubles surround me, chaos abounding My soul will rest in ... ...my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always I lift my eyes up, my help comes from ... http://www.klove.com/music/artists/kristian-stanfill/songs/always-lyrics.aspx  

Dear Diary,

Sunday was quite an adventure.  My new friend Mary Beth and I did some real cross country trekking in our search for The Scrap Inn.  We found some very interesting houses - one of which was almost eerie!  It was way back in the sticks - to the point we had to honk the horn to get the chickens out of the road (path).  In it's day, the house was probably quite the place to be - but time and lack of attention has caused it to be in very bad repair.  We definitely created a Memory by checking it out.  I will have to say - Mary Beth is a very brave lady. 

Another of the houses was very cute - very old - very run down - and not at all suitable for The Scrap Inn.  Although it has some real charm.

I did find a house that I think would work great for The Scrap Inn - unfortunately, it doesn't look like a possibility at this time.  It is one that I'm planing to keep an eye on though.  Things could change.

The others we looked at were either not big enough, or were in bad repair.  So, the search continues.  Although I'm thinking this area is a possibility.  It's NOT north!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are the times that make me wonder if I miss-heard the "You can do this" and it makes me want to give up.   It seems so hopeless.  But, these are also the times that I am reminded that I serve a mighty God - and that He will provide the right house at the right time and that I need to have faith to believe that and trust totally in Him.