Welcome Home!

Hey, family! Today is a celebratory day for me as I mark one year since moving into my home. The journey to homeownership was filled with anxiety and stress, but ultimately, it has brought me a sense of peace. I am so grateful for my realtor, who patiently dealt with me and my antics. Our experience together transformed our friendship into something deeper (thanks Shak!).

Reflecting on that time, I didn’t think homeownership would become a reality, but I was reminded by God about His promise. So, to celebrate today, let’s take a trip back to December 2022.

My church was observing Legacy Sunday, a day when everyone participates in intentional giving. Along with your gift, you can submit prayer requests for others to join you in prayer. I decided to be bold with my requests, one of which included praying for my own home. When I wrote down that request (I promise to share the others someday), I heard the phrase “start looking.”

At first, I didn’t know where to begin, but I felt compelled to follow that guidance. I started looking for homes, thinking big as God encouraged me. I browsed through extravagant listings, but slowly, those homes were sold. When this happened, I stopped my search, doubting my ability to hear God since I didn’t get what I wanted.  

Little did I know, God was working within me to prepare for the next step. I had to address many past issues that, if left unresolved, would have led to my failure in homeownership. Then in June, God spoke to me again and urged me to start looking once more. I reached out to my friend, who guided me through the process. We drove countless miles, shared many stories, and eventually discovered a community I now call home.

I was nervous when I walked through the doors, but I can tell you that God moved in incredible ways. We left that meeting with our stomachs full (they provided lunch!) and received free upgrades that weren’t publicly advertised—saved just for close friends, family, and employees. Although that was a huge step, the thought of homeownership still felt daunting. There were moments when I thought the process might stall, but God always provided.

Fast forward to closing day on January 18, 2024. At the closing—yes, at the very last moment—there was a problem, and I prayed. God intervened, and I ended up with my keys at the last minute. I was finally a homeowner! Just like a kid, I moved in that night, overwhelmed with joy that my dream had come to pass.

Now, a year later, I look back and feel immense gratitude for the gift God has given me—a home. He fulfilled His promise, but getting there required me to submit to His will, not my own. I had to make adjustments mentally, physically, financially, relationally, and spiritually. Most importantly, I had to wait…but the promise eventually came to fruition.

So today, I celebrate my home anniversary. I am thankful for the process, the journey, and the reminder that God worked through me every step of the way to accomplish something great for my life.

I hope this post encourages you as much as it encourages me while I write it. I pray that you take a moment to reflect on something God has done for you and recognize the ways He is working things out in your life. It may not always unfold as you imagine, but He always has something wonderful prepared for you as part of your beautiful journey.