We live on a large piece of land in the country and moved here for the same reasons. Chickens etc… mini homestead. Sometimes, I think fear drives us out to the country. There’s lots of faithful Catholics who live in apartments and in the cities and homesteading isn’t an option. I like to believe God is with us wherever we are placed. City or country….He will help us. I would rather have more time for Church activities and prayer. We still live in the country, but that’s it. No livestock etc.
Really there are no mistakes. There is a purpose in everything when you are walking with the Lord. All will work out for the best. Funny I have felt the call to become very small. I tend to talk too much so I am avoiding situations and groups that on the face of it look good but don't help me to follow the path of becoming little. I will pray that everything works out really good for you and your husband and your dear children.
Oh PurpleFlower your adventures always make me smile. I learned many, many years ago to let the winds and whisper of God to lead me. My husband and I have been farmers our entire lives and it is not easy. Married 41 years and counting. I have creaks and aches, from the hardness of it all, but can appreciate those who try and move on. It wasn't a failure, just a God moment that your adventure is taking a new turn. Will continue to keep your family in prayer.
It must have been that tree that fell over in the storm that was the last straw. I hurt with you on that one.
Oh yes, it's so funny... The first time we moved, from our apartment we got as newlyweds, to our first house, it happened because the apartment workers trimmed off all the gorgeous branches of the tree that was right outside my balcony. I cried and cried and my husband pulled out the laptop and said, "Well I guess I'll look for a house."
@PurpleFlower Being a father of seven children and married for over 30 years I myself have scratched my head numerous times trying to figure out what life has thrown at us with house moves and various other decisions, I have also went through different things leaving me totally bewildered and saying what on earth was that all about, Ive been in company that has challenged every sense of my spirituality and had me screaming dear Lord what are you doing. I dont question anymore God puts angels before us to guide and sometimes he uses us as angels to help out...St Therese herself asked the infant Jesus to let her be his bouncing ball his little play thing. I pray that the infant Jesus bounces you and your family to wherever he pleases and may the Holy Spirit carry you on his wings. Just to add my wife went shopping after her consultation and as she loves little garden windmills she came home with one (pic below) and I remarked how very unusual she picked that particular one, funny how the Holy Spirit blows the little windmill is spinning away strange that we are all connected in someway here on this beautiful forum but then again its as it should be...Ill tell the children to say a prayer for you every time the pass by they windmill
Oh this really touched my heart...How sweet that your children will be praying for me when they see the purple flower! St. Therese has been a HUGE part of my life especially in the last few months. I went and prayed at her shrine in San Antonio, and I asked her for a few things and got a very specific and personal sign from her that very day...A sign that meant "wait," that she would take care of it but it would take time. Last month for the first time ever I thought to ask her to join me in offering something to God during consecration, and the moment after I said that, the priest moved aside the pall and I saw that it had a lovely picture of St. Therese on it! I hadn't seen that before and haven't seen it since. I've always been one of those people that St. Therese has never graced with a sign, no roses, even though I've loved her since I was 9 years old...and I used to think she just didn't like me. But I had a dream about her several months ago and began asking her for serious help with spiritual growth. I've been reading all her letters, a few at a time, and feel like I finally really know her. She's been my companion through some really hard times and has helped me in one very particular area: detachment. I am so very grateful to her!
Purple Flower you are a gem- expressing yourself so beautifully and honestly. Please pray my family will really return to the sacraments. Some are faithful but most are not. I will be praying for you and your decisions on where you will live and for your needs.
All my life I wanted to live in the countryside rather than in a town. I got my way the year I turned 60. I have the kind of life that I always dreamed of. It's not perfect, but I love my house and share it with visitors. So I do understand your desire to live on a homestead. I would have loved that life too (but have allergies to many animals so never possible!). As you have discerned that the time is not right for your dream, I pray that you can find a house that you can love and call home. I hope you have a large enough yard for the children to play and where you can grow some vegetables, have fruit trees. Do you have a dog? They are such a joy. I got my first dog at 55 and regret bitterly that we didn't have one when the children were small. Living much nearer the parish you have chosen may give the opportunities to make new friends, have bible studies, prayer groups, things that you perhaps couldn't do so easily before. There are benefits from a new start closer to your husband's work. Now your family is young you are living one way. Perhaps in later life you will have a very different one.
Thank you, Clare...Yes, who knows what the future will bring! We do have a dog--a great pyrenees puppy--and she has been a joy (and a handful!), but she is going away today, to live with my sister, whose homesteading dream is going well. She's also picking up my 13 young chickens today. My kids will have fun seeing them again when we visit.
You possess an attentive, docile heart, willing to be led, PF. It is a marvelous gift. Stay humble. Our Lord opens the right door at the right time. God bless your husband and children.
Waiting on the Lord to draw our loved ones to Himself. In the end, His timing is matchless! Praying for you and yours RoryRory!
So glad you were able to discern this! And that you and your husband agree. We are on a small farm, and it is fulfilling my husband’s lifelong dream, but we are so far away from everything, including our parish and the kids’ school. I would rather move closer to our parish. All of those conversions are amazing!!! I have been praying for my family for 25 years, and it seems there has been no effect yet, but I know God hears me and is faithful.
