Unexpected Blessing

This past weekend my husband came across an incredible deal on craigslist.  It was so amazing that I thought for sure it was a scam, or already taken.  He went ahead and called, left a message.  Sometime later in the afternoon, we received a call back saying it was still for sale.  So we headed right over, and paid for it on the spot. I had hoped that we would be able to build a shed in the garden this fall for my tools, and to overwinter my pots and gardening necessities.  However, when he spotted this listing, we knew it would be perfect for what we needed.

The family that was selling it had sold their home, and had to be out by Sunday.  So the only stipulation was that we had to take it down and get it moved by Sunday.

When you come across a deal like this, everything else comes to a standstill to make it happen!  Any plans we had for the weekend were put on hold!

We spent all day Saturday taking the shed down, and then putting it back together on Sunday.

Thankfully, the four walls were all in one section, so the most work involved the roof.  We decided to put the new greenhouse where I had my current compost pile.

Well, guess who showed up for the compost pile moving... {smiles}  As we dumped the compost in the garden, there was no need for me to have to spread it around.  I had 24 willing and eager helpers in that department!

They had a chicken hey-day!

I am so excited to have this new addition to my garden.  It was a gazebo in its former life, and completely screened in.  However, it is going to undergo a little bit of a loving makeover now that is in my care!  I plan to cover the walls with clear plastic to make it into a greenhouse/tool shed.

The walls have built-in shelving, perfect for starting seed pots in the spring.  Since the greenhouse now sits over my former compost pile, the ground is already soft and full of nutrients. I will probably plant at least one side of the greenhouse, and use the other side for a potting table/tool storage area.

I had never dreamed I would have not one, but TWO greenhouses in my garden!  I am just beyond thrilled about it all!  I have been busy planning and dreaming what I want to do with it.  And of course you know that pinterest is just the place to find amazing ideas!

Here are some of the ideas I am considering:

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I have a lot of time to think and plan about what I want to do... the long winter awaits us, but I am so excited to have this fun little place in my garden now.  And just think of it... we only paid $70.00 for the entire thing.  I can't help but give the Lord praise at how He blesses us in such unexpected ways! 

I read this quote in a little devotional book that I have been reading, and it has really been "turning over" in my heart lately.  

I have learned to see a need 

of everything God gives me, 

and want nothing He denies me.  

Whether it be taken from 

or not given me, 

sooner or later God quiets me in Himself 

without it.  

I cast all my concerns on the Lord 

and live securely on the care and wisdom 

of my heavenly Father.  

~ Joseph Eliot, 1664 ~

You see, the Lord knows the desires of our hearts, and when we are not looking, or even thinking about them... He provides.  I have learned that if I just lean back and trust Him whether things work out the way I want, or not... there is great contentment and peace in that, and in His time... He will provide all things for us, that we need.  

I had been talking to my husband about building me a garden tool shed, and neither of us could see how we were going to find the time to get it done before winter.  I had given up my hope of having the tool shed, and decided that I would just use boards on the ground, and a tarp to cover everything for the winter.  It would have worked, and it would have been just fine.  And I contented myself in that.  

But!  Then just out of the blue, the Lord provided this shed that is not JUST a tool shed, but another greenhouse!  

Psalms 97: 4-5 

Delight thyself also in the LORD; 

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; 

trust also in him; 

and he shall bring it to pass.

Is there anyone who cares more for us, than our Father in Heaven?   No, a thousand times no.  The magnitude of the love of our Lord never ceases to amaze me - it is like showers of blessings that come in unexpected moments, and I realize once again... I am blessed.  Beyond measure! He knows my wants, my needs, my desires, and when I cast my care on Him.... His care is sufficient, and beyond measure of what I deserve... and for that I am grateful, thankful, and blessed! 

Has the Lord blessed you in an unexpected way? Do share in the comments below, I would love to hear!