Have you ever felt like you were caught in a whirlwind and things were moving so fast you could scarcely keep up? That’s where Ken and I have been for the past few weeks as we prepare to move from our beloved Kansas to Southeast Missouri in order to be closer to our two daughters and five of our nine grandkids. (Our two sons and the other four grandkids are in Seattle.) Things went from whirlwind to lightning speed this past week.
But this story really begins five years ago…
Shortly after moving to Wichita, we met a couple at our church here in Wichita and really hit it off. Our family had a lot in common with the Merritts, including the fact we each have two sons and two daughters. We invited them over for lasagna and during an evening of fun conversation and laughter, we gave them a little tour of the house. We felt so pleased with their compliments about it. Little did we know that five years later, after returning from the mission field, the Merritts would be looking for a house and we’d be handing the keys to our house over to them! Not only is it a wonderful blessing to be passing this much-loved house to such a great family, but we are thrilled to be “giving” such a nice family to this neighborhood we’ve grown to love.
Selling our house without having to list it was a gift. And then, this past weekend while traveling to North Carolina for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, we made a quick overnight stop at each of our daughters’ homes. A real estate agent our youngest daughter knew showed us five houses in one town on Friday and five more houses in another town on Saturday. As we followed our agent to the tenth house, we were running short on time and needed to get on the road to the conference. Not only that but the house she was about to show us had been at the very bottom of a prioritized list of more than twenty homes.
We were growing a little discouraged as nothing looked quite as perfect as it had in the listing photos. So we were a bit underwhelmed driving down this last street. But when our agent stopped in front of the very last house on a dead-end street, our hearts lifted a little. Not only did the house remind us quite a bit of one our youngest son and his wife built when they lived in Iowa, but the yard checked off my number-one wish for a house in Missouri: a shady, wooded yard.
All that morning Ken kept saying that the houses we were looking at just didn’t sing to him. We hadn’t been in this last house two minutes before he said, “I hear singing!” So did I!
By the time we’d finished the tour, this house had checked off almost every box on our wish list, and even a few on our luxury list!
No, it doesn’t have a fireplace, and I’ll miss that. And while the master bedroom has a fairly deep bathtub, it lacks the huge soaking tub I’ve enjoyed at our last two houses. But you know what? I’m happy to trade those things for the shady yard and the amazing screened porch off the great room of this new house.
This house also has a little playhouse under the stairs for the grandkids. My daughters are making Pinterest boards with ideas for decorating it as I type! And though for now, we’ll use both the main floor and the walkout basement for our home offices, the house is configured with only two low steps in from the front door and garage, and it has a main-floor laundry so if needed, we could live on one floor as we get older.
The house we’re buying belongs to a pastor and his family. We’re selling our house to a pastor and his family. And it was our daughter and her pastor husband who led us to our real estate agent! (And no doubt my sister, a pastor’s wife, will help with the decorating along the way as she did in our current house.) I love fun little details like that!
Yes, we know that things could change and house sales sometimes fall through. We are trying to temper our excitement and hold these blessings with open hands, trusting God to take care of all the details whether everything ultimately works out the way we hope or not. But for now, it looks like details are falling into place more wonderfully than we could have imagined. And soon, instead of living more than eight hours from each of our daughters, we’ll be living just a hop, skip, and jump away! While there this past weekend, we got to watch one of our grandsons hit a home run at his baseball game. If we’d needed even more confirmation that we are making the right decision, we saw dozens of garage sale signs on the street corners of our new town!
As we said goodbye to our three-year-old granddaughter early Saturday morning, I gave her one last kiss before lugging my bags to the car. But after she ran inside, I heard my daughter laughing. She flagged us down and informed us that little Nora had sighed and very sweetly said, “It was so nice meeting Papa and Mimi.” 🙂
P.S. Sell house? Check. Buy house? Check. Next up? Find RV for hubby. Stay tuned… 🙂
A GIVEAWAY! Won’t you help me out by taking a few books off my hands so I don’t have to pack them all? 😉 Tomorrow, I’ll draw three names from the comments below and send each winner one of my novels.
[And the winners are: Judith R., Ethel L., and Erika L. If you’ll email me at debraney@mac.com, I’ll contact you about mailing your book! Thank you again for all the encouraging comments!]
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I love that your homes are passing from Christian family to Christian family. When we first looked through ours, we did not know it had been owned by Christians but could sense a really good spirit about it – & then we saw a World Vision calendar which had been left on the wall…
I love seeing God’s hand in your journey. Thank you for letting us be a part of it.
Best of luck with your move. It sounds like God has been helping you over every hurdle.
How wonderfully God is working out the details of your move. Sigh.
The pictures of your new home look so nice and I am sure you will make some beautiful memories there with your grandchildren!
How exciting! Congrats to you and Ken!
Always nice to see Gods hands in our life. What a blessing!!
Gorgeous yard! And garage sale signs?… That’s a “sign” from the Lord… 😉
Isn’t it wonderful to see God’s hand along the way? Always hard to say goodbye but when it goes so seamlessly you know it must be in God’s plan…..I’m so excited for you! God bless you both…..
I firmly believe there are no such things as coincidences, so it’s obvious to see God’s plan playing out before you! I grew up in an Air Force family, so we moved a lot, and I always loved new beginnings. I wish you the best on your new home, your new beginning, and new blessings!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations on the new house! It sounds perfect for you. God works in wonderful ways.
Only our Great God,could write this story!
How exciting to see God work in your lives and moves you closer to family! Two great blessings!
I love it! The screened in porch is gorgeous!
Love seeing how God works in mysterious ways!
Love the journey you’ve shared in finding your new home. It looks lovely. The playhouse is unique, and your grandchildren will love it. Your yard is GORGEOUS and so inviting! Congratulations!
I love your house selling- searching-and-buying story. I can’t wait to see it when you Ken-Deb-i-fy it. How exciting!
It is wonderful when God works out the details for us and everything seems to fall into place.
The Missouri house looks amazing. I love the back yard. My husband and I are contemplating selling our house (not today, but in a few years) and living in various places for months at a time with an RV as our home base. I’m so glad you found a place you like. Funny how sometimes the things we think will not suit us, tend to be the best.
It wonderful to see God’s hand in our lives! Excited for you and this new adventure.
Hate to see you leave Kansas, but what a great reason to leave and it is obvious God is preparing the way! Can’t wait to see pictures of the new house with your special touch (and your sister’s 🙂) added!
God’s love in directing the steps of our life has included amazing experiences as you’ve described in these stories of your move. Such blessings for Each family involved, And the answered prayers – Hallelujah! One can only look forward in eager anticipation to what else He has in store 💖
God certainly has His hand in your move! Love the confirmations that He gives along the way! Blessings as your life changes yet again and thanks for all you do in writing your books for us readers!
How exciting that you have found a new home and have a buyer for yours! 😁
Growing up, we lived 16 hours away from both sets of grandparents. We would get to see them once or twice a year, so it was always a very special time with them. As an adult, we (my hubby and I) spent two years living in their town and soaked up as much time with them as we could. (And three of them have since gone to live in their heavenly home, so I’m extremely grateful that God allowed me to have that time with them!)
Enjoy your last moments in KS with your friends and extended family as you transition to MO. Your grandkids are going to love having you close (& your daughters, too)! ❤️
What a blessing! So happy for you.
How fun to read more about this part of our journey. I’ll look forward to seeing how you decorate your new home and enjoy more time with family in Missouri! Blessings on your move.
Beautiful how God has lead you closer to your children. Beautiful!!! Blessed to read your books!
I really enjoyed reading about your journey. I love how God never misses any details! I will look forward to photos of your new home! Congratulations and thank you for sharing!
Such a blessing! And I’m excitedly watching your progress as I pray for my daughter, Katrina, and her family doing the same type of move. Their old house is sold, they’ve traveled to upstate NY, a wonderful job has been offered and they are now settling into an apartment while they look for a house to buy there. I pray they find just the right one, as you seem to have! I would love to have a copy of A Vow to Cherish! After getting Within This Circle at BRMCWC and telling you we had A Vow to Cherish on DVD I discovered I was wrong. But we found it on Amazon Prime and will watch it before I start the new book. Would love to have a copy to put on “your” shelf with this new one! 🙂
What a lovely story. I love how God knows our hearts and takes care of us in such personal ways. His blessings are always the best. May this move bring you many happy memories!
God also took us from the Wichita that we loved and moved us to Missouri (but farther north in St. Louis). We didn’t have family here, as you do, and it took us a while, but now we love Missouri. I’m sure you will, too!
We have “ a creative God” to work things out like He did for you and Ken!! We will miss having you close but truly understand your reason for moving.
Beautiful story! Love that yard! My kids have grown up with their grandparents, as my in-laws have lived with us since before we had a kids. It is such a blessing for the kids to know their grandparents so well!
It is always exciting to see God moving in the lives of his children. What a wonderful blessing you will be to this new town, new church, and the many garage sale holders in Missouri!
The house looks lovely and I pray it all works out according to His will!
What wonderful blessings are in store for you and Ken! So happy for you both and this new adventure you’re about to start. Praying you guys through the transitions to come!!
So exciting…I love it how God brings everything together and confirms His will to us even in the little things. I live right where my 8 grandkids are, so I know how ecstatic you must be. Praying things continue to go smoothly and you are moved and settled quickly.
It appears you and Ken have been blessed! My advice now is that you look for an RV which is owned by a pastor who wants to sell. 🙂
Hope you’ll continue sharing your yard sale adventures and finds in your new place!😊
When things have moved well like that for us in our lives, I have given all the credit to God. What a beautiful thing that God has done for you!
I love seeing how God works in our lives! Congrats on your new home. Pray that the transition in a smooth one.
I’m so glad you found a home where your heart sings in good old southeast Missouri!
Moving can be a lot of work, but also exciting too! So neat that you will be close to family. Praying that everything goes smoothly.
I’m so glad things are working out for you. All around, this sounds like a God plan. I can’t wait to see how you decorate this new home.
“God moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.” I know how excited you must be and when you can feel God’s hand in what you are doing, you know you are doing the right thing.
The new house looks wonderful, and you are right, it would be a perfect pop of color to paint the front door. I hope you have a riding lawn mower, too, looks like a nice piece of property. May the Lord make the way easy for your move, providing good moving conditions and lots of helpers!
Oh my! As I’m sure you know, the Lord led you to this house! I too would give up the bathtub you described for that screened in porch. I can just picture you sitting out there with a cup of coffee while writing your books. Congratulations to both of you.
God works in mysterious ways doesn’t he? And all for the good! I am so happy you found your next home and are leaving your current home in blessed hands. And yes, I do believe your new front door should be aqua! I can’t wait to hear about your packing, moving and unpacking adventures! Good luck to you both. 💙🙏🏼
Deb, I am so excited for you! I know what Ken means about hearing the singing. I felt that way when we looked at the condo we live in now. I can’t wait to see how you put your stamp on your new home.
We sure have an AWESOME GOD!!! So many times something like this has happened to me and then I stand back and am amazed that God has come through again for me. I shouldn’t but I just can’t fathom that God can take care of every little detail plus at times.
God is surely our Good, Good Father. He takes care of His children and meets all of their needs, and even some of their wants. Your news made me smile and brought a few happy tears to my eyes. I am fortunate to live by all 5 of my grandchildren, and I am thrilled for you that you will now be closer to some of yours. They are one of God’s greatest blessings. Congratulations and Enjoy!! 🙂
Moving can be so difficult but it sounds like you are handling it with so much grace! Praying God gives you strength to match the days ahead! Thanks for the opportunity to win as I will be glad to take a book to lighten your load!
Congratulations! I hope things continue to fall into place. I have loved being a part of your home now and enjoyed your new garage sale finds. I look forward to seeing how the new house transforms with your neat and beautiful decorating style. Good luck with it all! And of course I’d be happy to take any books off your hands. 😉
God knows our every need even before we think it.
May He Bless your new home with Love and Happiness in the years to come.
I’m so glad everything is going God’s way.
Congratulations on the new home! It is just beautiful! It looks like God has just orchestrated every little piece of the move!!!
I am SO excited for you and Ken, Deb, and LOVE how the Lord orchestrated these details – – WOW! Your new house is lovely – – I especially love the backyard and that screened porch – – I can imagine it with your beautiful plants!
I’m praying that all goes smoothly for your move, and am so glad you shared this story and the photos – – God is SO GOOD!! 🙂
Blessings to you and Ken on your new adventure!
I’m happy that things have fallen into place so wonderfully for you and your family. New beginnings are always exciting!
You are going to be so blessed moving closer to your grandchildren and building your relationship with them! Enjoy every moment. You can certainly see the Lord’s hand guiding you each step of the way. I know you will miss your fireplace, but you an buy one of those little electric ones! They are “so cozy”and you can sit and read to your grandchildren in front of it☺️. Making memories!!
I, too, felt God’s hand in my house sale and purchase 3 years ago. From my choice of a realtor, to the way all my furniture fit in the new house perfectly, to the 18 hours it took for my “old” house to sell, it was a completely pleasant and fun experience.
I am so happy you will be near your daughters and I’m a bit jealous about that as my children and grandchildren live all over the country!
The new home looks beautiful! I love the backyard. I know just what you mean about hearing the singing. When we toured our last house, we both loved it as soon as we walked in. We were there 10 years and loved the house the whole time. Our desire to move back to a rural setting is the only reason we sold it.
I pray it all works out and you have many blessings in your new home.
I LOVE all the God details in your story! Who BUT God could figure that all out to be so perfect? We’ll miss you here in this neck of the woods but technology will keep us connected. Can’t wait to see the next house spring to life under your hands and sing to both of you! God bless!
Wow! It’s so amazing when things fall into place when you need them to! We had a similar experience when selling our home almost 20 years ago. Your new home looks amazing! We have deer pass through our yard often, too.
Hi Deb. Seems like you just moved into your last house! But all those “coincidences” add up to God-winks, in my opinion. I love the porch and the yard, not to mention the built-in bookcase. I’m sure there will be some aqua in the house before long!
Love your post…and those small details like the pastor theme is delicious! Good luck in your move!
I’m rejoicing with you, Deb! The new house looks lovely now & with your awesome decorative design talents, it’ll definitely be a grand slam! My prayers are that the newest chapter will be exceedingly beyond all that you could ask or think! Love to you & Ken, my Friend <3
Isn’t God just the best planner! I have enjoyed your posts about your garage sales and it is good to hear those will still be available in your new town. I enjoy reading your books and passing them on to friends and family to read. God bless you in this new journey and enjoy the time with your family.
Oh, I loved reading this blog! I’m so happy for you, Ken and your family.
I’m so excited for you. It’s beautiful and the yard and covered porch are perfect.
Your move seems totally God-directed and driven. I think you will be so much happier being closer to grandkids and new adventures. Enjoy the journey!
I loved this blog post. We are in the process of moving from Los Angeles to San Jose. We have been looking for houses to rent. I can relate to what you were going through. I’m inspired to see how God showed up in the details and took care of you. This article was a blessing to me.
I’m glad that you can be closer to your kids and grandchildren, and deer!!
Thank you so much, everyone, for rejoicing with us. Since these comments are for the giveaway drawing, I won’t respond to each one, but what a joy to have your encouragement and your comments about how God has directed your own lives. We are in awe. God is good no matter what happens, but we are filled with gratitude for the way He is working in our lives through this sometimes difficult transition. Watch here for the three winners tomorrow!
A blessing for you to be close to some of your grandchildren. They grow up so fast and you will always cherish the coming days. God’s handiwork in selling your house and leading you to another house so quickly – only God’s timing.
I am so blessed as I watch God move in your lives. Your posts always inspire me and make me smile.
I hope that house keeps singing.
Deb,
I know exactly what you’re going through. This past couple of weeks I’ve sold my house and bought a new one only a block away from four of my grandkids! Closing only a couple of weeks away. May our Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace as you begin this new chapter.
I am so happy for you but will miss being able to say, “…and she lives in Wichita too! How cool is that?”
What a God story!
Oh, how exciting! And your new office spaces. WOW! Happy decorating and writing!
Good luck with your move.
What a neat story about the new family moving in ! The backyard of the new one is so pretty.
We moved to Missouri to be in the middle of our children in three states when we retired ~ ten years ago now! Blessings to you and much enJ*O*Yment! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Praying God’s special favor over y’all! He is definitely directing y’all’s paths, as is obvious by pastor, pastor, pastor, pastor…
Eagerly awaiting updates about your new home!
I have a soft spot in my heart for Missouri, having spent the first ten years of my life there with beautiful wooded backyards and green everywhere. The house is beautiful–already ready for your touch. The screened porch is wonderful. I know you’ll spend many hours there. Blessings and Cyberhugs!
As I learned when I had to live in other states, you can always have Kansas in your hearts. I wish you the best in your move to Missouri and can certainly understand your wish to be closer to your daughters and grandchildren. It is wonderful how God is working out the details.
I’ll be glad to take one of the books off your hands! Look like good ones.
Enjoy my home state. God is good when we allow Him to help in moves. Now living in Utah.
I LOVE God’s perfect timing & sense of humor!😉 We moved into our house last year, and it was a ‘last resort”/bottom of the list to view. Yet, when we stepped into it for the first time, we heard singing…just like your husband. It had everything we were looking for & more. 😍Praying for a smooth transition!!
Deborah Raney, I’m so thrilled for you. God is amazing and it’s a joy to see the details in His plans for us! Moving! New adventures! I’d love to help you get “rid” of some of your books! You’re one of my favorite authors!!! Praying for a smooth, safe and fun move!
I’m thrilled that you found a perfect house for you and that you also have the perfect family for your previous house. It’s wonderful when things work out that way. And, I would love to help you with the “problem” of too many books. lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Sometimes I wish we were brave enough to pull up stakes and start over some place new……..
Congrats! What a blessing the Lord has given you! The new house looks great 🙂
And the winners are: Judith R., Ethel L., and Erika L. If you’ll email me at debraney@mac.com, I’ll contact you about mailing your book! Thank you again for all the encouraging comments!
The Lord is truly guiding and blessing your move. I love the house you’ve found and pray that you’ll be extremely happy in it.
My husband and I have moved to different states a couple of times due to job changes. Each time I was sad to be leaving friends, a special church, etc., but once we had zeroed in on a new house and community, I was able to look ahead and see the move as a grand adventure.
God will greatly use you in your new community just as he did in your previous one(s)!
I am so happy for your family!! Your daughters and grandchildren will LOVE having the two of you close to them!
Best wishes on your move.
This post is very encouraging to me, I am also shopping for a house, thank you for sharing your experience
Isn’t it interesting that when you find that special house, it really does sing to you. My husband and I have moved a great deal, and we always seek that “welcome home” feeling. Enjoy your new home and being close to your beautiful grandchildren.
So fantastic that you can see God’s hand in this endeavor! Welcome to Missouri! Live the pictures of your new house. Can’t wait to see what you do with the decorating! Blessings!