As I write this part of the story, I am reminded of something George Mueller said multiple times in His journal....."I do not write these things down to boast of my faith or anything of what I have done, but rather, to encourage God's people to remember, God will provide for his people."
After coming to an agreement with the family, my next few weeks were filled with dong the things I really enjoy. Everything involved nan auction process I really enjoy. When part of that means riding on a tractor, cutting down old fences to clean up things, and working with people to prep things, it is even more fun for me. And over the next two months I got to do all of that with great joy.
While the process was in motion, i also was given the pleasure of making friends with the former farm hand on the place and even the owner. I learned a great deal of history on the family and property and can honestly say, no matter what the outcome, I was having a ball.
As the weeks passed, things at home financially did not change a lot. We still had the need of Hailey's dental work. Having enough money for food was a daily thing to consider, and we still were a LONG way off from the dreams of having our own place near Gallatin where we could live and farm, and lastly, still wanted that truck.
On the side, there were a couple of potential clients who could really play a big part in helping along the financial path, both looking in the 7 figure range, but both of them did not pan out. There was a little here and little there, enough to keep us going, but it was a gift from God because it kept us on our knees before Him, learning to trust Him for our daily needs.
I learned that if you cannot trust God for the little things, how will one ever trust Him for the big ones? I look back now and can see that was a BIG part of our three years where we were. We were forced in a manner of speaking to look only to Him for our needs. It was a hard journey, but one I personally needed in a big way.
It seems like we have a tendency to run to God for the BIG items on our list of wants and needs, but forget how much He loves to be involved in the small things. As I rode tractors, tore out fences, and ran a mower, God spent time reminding me of how He was intimately involved in many small things in my life. In essence, He hit the play button so I could remember how He had met before......
Friday, February 27, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Trust and Obey!
To say the least, there was a TON of praying that went on in the Carman household over the next few weeks. We followed sound counsel given by several people and followed God where we sensed He was leading. As we made our proposal for the property, we did so covered in prayer and at full peace. Katie and I had both talked and this is something we felt God was leading us in and therefore we felt we could go forward with confidence.
Let me be the first to say, it would be so nice from our perspective if something like this got a quick positive answer and we could move forward. But that is rarely how our Father works. No, for the next three weeks it was process of going back and forth and at several junctions just did not seem like it was going to happen. However, we started the process saying "If God wants it to happen, NOTHING can stand against him, and if He is against it, it WILL NOT happen.
I cannot lie, there were some moments of anxiety and panic on my behalf. As we were waiting for a reply to an offer, I would think of anything I could possibly do to make it work. I wanted so badly to give my family some of these things, that I wanted to "make it happen." However, God in His wisdom, would send my wife to calm me down and remind me that it was up to Him. Only He could bring this to pass if it was his will.
There was no lack for detractors along the way. Several spoke out loudly against what was happening, others said it behind close doors. Many of these conversations made it back to us and were very discouraging. However, Daddy would never fail to send His encouragers and uplifters of our spirits to bring us peace and joy in the middle of the trials.
When it was all said and done, 3 weeks later, we had an agreement. We had just put a lot on the line, having to take a huge step of faith in trusting God. I had always heard God would not disappoint, but this was one of those, "Please don't fail me now!" moments. God was at work, now it was time to simply trust and obey, knowing He had us and the entire process in His hands.
Let me be the first to say, it would be so nice from our perspective if something like this got a quick positive answer and we could move forward. But that is rarely how our Father works. No, for the next three weeks it was process of going back and forth and at several junctions just did not seem like it was going to happen. However, we started the process saying "If God wants it to happen, NOTHING can stand against him, and if He is against it, it WILL NOT happen.
I cannot lie, there were some moments of anxiety and panic on my behalf. As we were waiting for a reply to an offer, I would think of anything I could possibly do to make it work. I wanted so badly to give my family some of these things, that I wanted to "make it happen." However, God in His wisdom, would send my wife to calm me down and remind me that it was up to Him. Only He could bring this to pass if it was his will.
There was no lack for detractors along the way. Several spoke out loudly against what was happening, others said it behind close doors. Many of these conversations made it back to us and were very discouraging. However, Daddy would never fail to send His encouragers and uplifters of our spirits to bring us peace and joy in the middle of the trials.
When it was all said and done, 3 weeks later, we had an agreement. We had just put a lot on the line, having to take a huge step of faith in trusting God. I had always heard God would not disappoint, but this was one of those, "Please don't fail me now!" moments. God was at work, now it was time to simply trust and obey, knowing He had us and the entire process in His hands.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Out of Nowhere!
I have found in life, when God is ready to do something big in your life, it is oft times accompanied by a test of your faith. That is exactly what happened to us next.
While searching for some land for a client in a very specific area of Gallatin, I ran across a large farm for sale. Needless to say the farm was absolutely gorgeous and would be a perfect place for my client and his family. However, it was too large and therefore the price was too high for just him. However, I had an idea......
I am a Realtor and Auctioneer by trade, and for my entire life I have seen the taking of a larger farm, dividing it into tracts, and then seeing it sold. I had grown up into the business and this is what I loved to do. I always tell people, I am an Auctioneer at heart and a Realtor by trade. I LOVE doing auctions from start to finish, no matter how big or small. And this particular farm had AUCTION written all over it.
So I called the listing agent and asked if his seller would be willing to sell a portion of the farm. Sadly, they did not want to divide it as they had owned it in the family for over 200 years. I said I understood, but something kept drawing me back to that farm. I showed it to a few people in my office and asked why in the world they would not divide it and sell it at auction as I believed it would bring even more than they were asking. The answer was simple, they did not want to break it up.
I carried this farm on my mind for a week, constantly looking back at it on the computer. Eventually I showed it to my wife and told her what I was thinking regarding the property. I even said, "Someone should buy this place and cut it up, they would make good money on it!"
That is when God stepped in and said, "Why not you?"
I laughed (a lot like Sarah) saying, Who am I to buy such a piece of land. It is a 7 figure piece of property and I barely have 3 figures to my name. In fact, at that very moment we had just borrowed some money to pay our bills. We were not heading in the direction I wanted. God had seemingly put on my heart to live debt free, but I was "stuck" and felt as if I was going nowhere. I knew God had a big plan, but surely He would not think I could buy this farm and make the money seeing as I had none really to my name and was already in debt.
However, God persisted in pushing me on this idea. So much so, that I spoke to my wife about it and then started doing some research on the property and even drawing some division outlines on it how one might could divide it. From there it started rolling.
I first showed it to a very trusted adviser who even had some first hand knowledge on the farm. He agreed it would work, but said they would NEVER take the figure I was discussing as a purchase price. But I sensed God pressing me onward.
Next I showed it to my father who again agreed it was a potential plan. Finally I showed it to my Grandfather. This man has been doing our business for nearly 60 years and had seen and done the very thing I was thinking of doing. I took him to the farm, showed him my division plan and told him what I was thinking. I had decided if he had any doubts in his mind, I would simply walk away. Amazingly, he was 100% on board with the idea and even agreed to partner with me if I wanted him to.
With that in hand, Katie and I prayed for 3 days before doing anything else. In our hearts and minds, this is what God seemed to be leading us to, now came the time of faith and trust. Did we really believe that He would lead us through this process and set our feet on dry ground when it was over? I would be lying if I said anxiety did not arise once or twice before even committing to an offer. But even God used that to bring in some wisdom.
Now that the idea was in place, the next step was actually following through. And to do that would require more than a step of faith, it would have to be a LEAP......
While searching for some land for a client in a very specific area of Gallatin, I ran across a large farm for sale. Needless to say the farm was absolutely gorgeous and would be a perfect place for my client and his family. However, it was too large and therefore the price was too high for just him. However, I had an idea......
I am a Realtor and Auctioneer by trade, and for my entire life I have seen the taking of a larger farm, dividing it into tracts, and then seeing it sold. I had grown up into the business and this is what I loved to do. I always tell people, I am an Auctioneer at heart and a Realtor by trade. I LOVE doing auctions from start to finish, no matter how big or small. And this particular farm had AUCTION written all over it.
So I called the listing agent and asked if his seller would be willing to sell a portion of the farm. Sadly, they did not want to divide it as they had owned it in the family for over 200 years. I said I understood, but something kept drawing me back to that farm. I showed it to a few people in my office and asked why in the world they would not divide it and sell it at auction as I believed it would bring even more than they were asking. The answer was simple, they did not want to break it up.
I carried this farm on my mind for a week, constantly looking back at it on the computer. Eventually I showed it to my wife and told her what I was thinking regarding the property. I even said, "Someone should buy this place and cut it up, they would make good money on it!"
That is when God stepped in and said, "Why not you?"
I laughed (a lot like Sarah) saying, Who am I to buy such a piece of land. It is a 7 figure piece of property and I barely have 3 figures to my name. In fact, at that very moment we had just borrowed some money to pay our bills. We were not heading in the direction I wanted. God had seemingly put on my heart to live debt free, but I was "stuck" and felt as if I was going nowhere. I knew God had a big plan, but surely He would not think I could buy this farm and make the money seeing as I had none really to my name and was already in debt.
However, God persisted in pushing me on this idea. So much so, that I spoke to my wife about it and then started doing some research on the property and even drawing some division outlines on it how one might could divide it. From there it started rolling.
I first showed it to a very trusted adviser who even had some first hand knowledge on the farm. He agreed it would work, but said they would NEVER take the figure I was discussing as a purchase price. But I sensed God pressing me onward.
Next I showed it to my father who again agreed it was a potential plan. Finally I showed it to my Grandfather. This man has been doing our business for nearly 60 years and had seen and done the very thing I was thinking of doing. I took him to the farm, showed him my division plan and told him what I was thinking. I had decided if he had any doubts in his mind, I would simply walk away. Amazingly, he was 100% on board with the idea and even agreed to partner with me if I wanted him to.
With that in hand, Katie and I prayed for 3 days before doing anything else. In our hearts and minds, this is what God seemed to be leading us to, now came the time of faith and trust. Did we really believe that He would lead us through this process and set our feet on dry ground when it was over? I would be lying if I said anxiety did not arise once or twice before even committing to an offer. But even God used that to bring in some wisdom.
Now that the idea was in place, the next step was actually following through. And to do that would require more than a step of faith, it would have to be a LEAP......
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
What do you want?
As time passed by, our longings grew even stronger. Katie and I both had a huge desire to be in the Gallatin area. We longed to see Hailey's need for her dental work met, and I desired to have a truck for work. Being as truthful as possible. as we prayed, it still all seemed so hopeless from our human perspective, But God.......
God is so much greater than our imagination. I have a dear friend and his favorite quote is "But God." Although my mind told me what our hearts desired was impossible, God told me with Him ALL things are possible. When my mind asked, "Why would He do it for me?" God told me He loved me.
So one day in March, as I was driving to work, these longings of my heart burst forth from my lips. I said out loud, "God, I would really like to have a truck." To my amazement, He spoke right back and asked me a question. "What do you want Ray?" I answered, "Daddy, I would really like a white Dodge truck, 4 door so the family could ride in it all together, I would like the Hemi engine like I had before, and I would like a 2009 or 2010 model. Just a basic truck Father."
After laying out my desire specifically, that was the end of that conversation.
A few days later, as I was again in my car headed to work, I had another one of those moments. I was talking to God and the burden to move to the Gallatin area was heavy on my heart. This is something I knew was HUGE to my wife, and even more, the burden had grown in my heart. We both felt as if that is where He wanted us to be. However, I had a draw back in my own heart.
We had been raising sheep for the past three years, and I really enjoyed raising them. Our guard dogs, sheep, chickens, and us had formed a little family all together and I was uncertain that I was ready to give that up. After all, prices for land in Gallatin made owning a small farm seem even more absurd that having money to buy a house in the area.
So I took it to God and said........
"Daddy, I really want to move to Gallatin. Our hearts are there and we sense You leading us there for your name sake. But Daddy, I really would like to keep my sheep."
Then again, God said, "Ray, What do you want?"
I answered, "Well Father, I would love about 15-25 acres within a few minutes of Gallatin on which we can both live and raise our animals. And above all, we would like to have it with no debt so as to remain true to Your word for our lives to "owe no man anything."
His response was the same as before, just a simple peace once I had told Him specifically what my heart desired.
When I got home on those two days, I told Katie of what had happened, and from that day forward, my belief that He was going to do something great grew. I did not know if it would be in months or years, but I knew He cared enough to ask me what I wanted specifically and I had great peace in the days ahead.
God is so much greater than our imagination. I have a dear friend and his favorite quote is "But God." Although my mind told me what our hearts desired was impossible, God told me with Him ALL things are possible. When my mind asked, "Why would He do it for me?" God told me He loved me.
So one day in March, as I was driving to work, these longings of my heart burst forth from my lips. I said out loud, "God, I would really like to have a truck." To my amazement, He spoke right back and asked me a question. "What do you want Ray?" I answered, "Daddy, I would really like a white Dodge truck, 4 door so the family could ride in it all together, I would like the Hemi engine like I had before, and I would like a 2009 or 2010 model. Just a basic truck Father."
After laying out my desire specifically, that was the end of that conversation.
A few days later, as I was again in my car headed to work, I had another one of those moments. I was talking to God and the burden to move to the Gallatin area was heavy on my heart. This is something I knew was HUGE to my wife, and even more, the burden had grown in my heart. We both felt as if that is where He wanted us to be. However, I had a draw back in my own heart.
We had been raising sheep for the past three years, and I really enjoyed raising them. Our guard dogs, sheep, chickens, and us had formed a little family all together and I was uncertain that I was ready to give that up. After all, prices for land in Gallatin made owning a small farm seem even more absurd that having money to buy a house in the area.
So I took it to God and said........
"Daddy, I really want to move to Gallatin. Our hearts are there and we sense You leading us there for your name sake. But Daddy, I really would like to keep my sheep."
Then again, God said, "Ray, What do you want?"
I answered, "Well Father, I would love about 15-25 acres within a few minutes of Gallatin on which we can both live and raise our animals. And above all, we would like to have it with no debt so as to remain true to Your word for our lives to "owe no man anything."
His response was the same as before, just a simple peace once I had told Him specifically what my heart desired.
When I got home on those two days, I told Katie of what had happened, and from that day forward, my belief that He was going to do something great grew. I did not know if it would be in months or years, but I knew He cared enough to ask me what I wanted specifically and I had great peace in the days ahead.
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