Unexpected Blessing

Friday, November 4, 2016

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:

Credit


Credit

Organization for gardening tools..so I know this sounds nutty... but im thinking peg board in the kitchen, garage, office... heck even for my jewelry in the closet... I want organization in a small house!
credit 



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!  

60 comments

  1. How great! You're so sweet and grateful! I love your happy heart!

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    1. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful, indeed! :)

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  2. How fortunate you were! You will have such great vegetables next year!

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    1. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful, indeed! :) Yes, I hope to have a larger than ever harvest next year, Lord willing!

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  3. That is so wonderful! I am so happy for you and I can't wait to see what you do with it...and what you harvest next year! Enjoy it!! : )

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    1. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful, indeed! :) Yes, I hope to have a larger than ever harvest next year, Lord willing!

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  4. That is great find! I am sure you will have fun dreaming of ways to spruce it up over the winter.

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    1. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful, indeed! :) Yes, I hope to have a larger than ever harvest next year, Lord willing!

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  5. WOW!!! Is that crazy, or what? I am so glad you were able to get it and that it all worked out. Now for the fun part---to see what it looks like when you get through with it. xo Diana

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    1. It will be a lot of fun dressing up my new greenhouse with pretty flowers, I can't wait! :)

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  6. Oh praise the Lord!! I am just as excited for you and am thanking the Lord for His goodness to you. Your sweet content spirit is a glory to God and He has given you the desire of your heart when you weren't even expecting it. Oh to the glory of God!
    He certainly looks after the needs of His own.
    When I was looking into renting a vehicle to drive back to Colorado in after looking after my mother's needs the Lord blessed in a mighty way. It should have cost us 700.00 but God intervened in a beautiful way and we only had to pay 245.00 plus I was given a grade up so I drove home in a beautiful new jeep Cherokee that gave me extra room for Donatella and her crate. I was able to share the goodness of God with the lovely lady whom God brought across my path during the whole process. God got the glory!
    Enjoy your winter dreaming of all the ways you plan to make your new addition work for you.
    Thank you for sharing your joy with us.
    What a blessing, Marilyn~~

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    1. Thank you for sharing how the Lord blessed you recently, you saved a lot of money, plus had plenty of room for Donatella, which made the ride go much easier, I'm sure! God is so good to us! And what a wonderful witness to the lady who helped you in the process! I am rejoicing with you too!

      Yes, this greenhouse was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful at how the Lord provides! :) I hope to have a larger than ever harvest next year, Lord willing! Hugs to you today dear friend! Have a lovely weekend!

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  9. Such a cute shed! How nice!!

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    1. I feel very blessed, and can't wait for spring now, lol!

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  10. I have had several unexpected blessing from God too. I love how they demonstrate His faithfulness to provide for us just like he does the sparrow. I also love your chickens. They are so cute. Enjoy your shed!

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    1. God is so faithful to us, isn't He! I never cease to be amazed at His care for us, just like the sparrow you mentioned! Thank you for your visit today, and for leaving a comment, I appreciate that and hope to get to know you better too :) Have a lovely weekend!

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  11. So fun to read about your blessing of a new greenhouse. I was feeling incredibly blessed today as well as we enjoyed an absolutely beautiful day. I raked some leaves and put them up in our chicken coop and then some on our septic system and I was thinking about all the different (sometimes "simple" ) ways that God provides for us. Even making leaves that are beautiful, provide shade, clean our air and then rot to make wonderful new soil to grow food in. So many blessings we have received!

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    1. Isn't it wonderful to reflect on the simple things in our lives that speak so powerfully of the love of the Lord! I can never comprehend the greatness of our God, and the beauty of the creation He has blessed us with. I didn't know you could use leaves in the chicken coop, but I suppose it would be a bit like straw or hay on the floor. I love using leaf rot in my garden, power packed goodness! Appreciate your visit today Abbi, have a lovely weekend!

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  12. I REALLY, really needed to read this tonight! I can't thank you enough for sharing your heart and the blessings God has bestowed upon you! I am SO happy God blessed you with this, as He knew how grateful and happy it would make you. He is SO faithful to His trusting children, and He often gives us gifts we would never even ask Him for. This is how He proves His love to us. I was just thinking of a parent or even a spouse...they could tell us all day long how much they love us, but if they never bestowed any affection upon us, we would begin to feel that it was just words...and it would be. We could read God's Word all through life, and it would bless us, of course, but the times we really, really feel His love is when we see physical, visible demonstrations of it. THIS was such a gift from God to you, dear friend. He loves you SO much!! And, I do, too!!! :)

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    1. Such a wonderful analogy you shared of the love the Lord has for us... and it is in these little ways that we see His hand working in our lives, because He knows the inner workings and desires of our hearts, and His blessings are always greater than we even imagined! Oh yes, we are blessed, aren't we! Appreciate your visit and precious encouraging comment today, and I am praying for you too dear friend, that the Lord continues to bless and encourage your heart! Big hugs!

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  13. What a find, God blesses us in so many ways.

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    1. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful, indeed! :) Hope you are feeling better my friend!

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  14. I'm so glad for this new find, darling Marilyn, I'm sure you're so very enthusiastic and excited by thinking what you can do with this little home which is now in your garden .. . actually I couldn't have such plants in my garden during the Summer without a greenhouse where to store them during the coldest season ... and it is all the year long such a wonderful place where to work: where seeding, cultivating, repot plants and so on !

    So good work, dearie, I'm looking forward to this project of yours,
    sending blessings of joy to you

    Xx Dany

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    1. Yes, that is what I have been wanting for a long time, a place big enough to work with my plants all year long, and especially in the spring. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is so very thankful at how the Lord provided! :) I am really looking forward to this project too! Thank you sweet Dany for visiting and leaving such lovely comments, they always bless me! Have a blessed weekend!

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  15. I am so glad to read your beautiful post. IT is an real encouragement. Thank you so much ...

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    1. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful! I am so happy to meet you Jedidja, and look forward to getting to know you better through blogging :) Have a lovely weekend!

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  16. Now that's a real deal! Awesome!

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    1. It was a truly wonderful unexpected blessing, and my heart is very thankful, indeed! :) Truly awesome indeed!

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  17. Marilyn!!! This is wonderful! I love the idea of turning it into The Lady Lounge :-) That's my fav design you posted. I'm so excited for you and the potential that this holds for your gardening adventure next year!

    God blessed me with a wonderful new hair stylist here in VA who is a Christian. She is in my Bible study class, and just the sweetest, most powerful praying woman!!! When I sat in her chair yesterday to get my hair done, we talked and laughed and cried and prayed. God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good. I love you and hope you are having a fabulous start to your Saturday! {{hugs}}

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    1. Isn't the Lady Lounge idea just so inviting! I was just really taken with how cozy her little house had become. I have a lot of work ahead to make it anything near that, but it is fun to dream!

      Oh praise the Lord, isn't that so awesome that you have made a friend with a Christian, how wonderful to talk, pray and get your hair done, oh yes, our God is sooo good, and He cares for us in such creative ways. I never cease to be amazed at the creativity of our God in supplying our needs/wants/desires! We are blessed indeed, rich beyond measure! Hugs to you today dear friend, thank you for sharing what the Lord has done for you, it blessed me too!

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  18. That's a wonderful find! Can't wait to see how you use it. I hope you get many happy years of service from it!
    Happy weekend

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    1. It is such a wonderful blessing, and I will have so much fun planning and making it all mine. Thank you for your visit Annie, so happy to have your friendship :)

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  19. I am so happy for you and yes, our God loves us and knows the desires of our heart. :) I love when HE blesses us unexpectedly and so fully! I remember wanting another hot tub after we sold our small one years ago to help pay some bills. My husband's boss actually gave us their top of the line Jacuzzi spa for free and even let us borrow a flatbed work truck to transport it home. :)

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    1. Oh how awesome, that the Lord gave in greater abundance than what you had before... isn't that just like our Lord! Have a blessed day, my dear friend!

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  20. So HAPPY for you, What a blessings ~ Our Lord is amazing, I love to be amazed by HIM!
    Blessings sweet friend.

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    1. I never cease to be amazed in Him, and His provision! Hugs to you today dear friend :)

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  21. This is a beautiful shed/greenhouse. I think it looks perfect in your spot under the trees. Loved reading how it came to be yours when you were least expecting it.
    Wendy

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    1. Unexpected blessings are the best and finest our Lord offers to us, and I will never cease to be amazed at His provision! Hugs to you today, appreciate your visit and comment so very much!

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  22. Oh how wonderful the Lord has blessed you, lovely Marilyn! I am always amazed how He blesses us when we least expect it. Your garden shed is wonderful. 'Tis just perfect for you. Have a lovely time transforming your lovely new shed!

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    1. Unexpected blessings are the best and finest our Lord offers to us, and I will never cease to be amazed at His provision! I will have fun all winter planning my little greenhouse transformation :) Hugs to you today, appreciate your visit and comment so very much!

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  23. I rejoice with you, dear Marilyn! Oh, our heavenly Father is so good and gracious and I praise Him for providing a wonderful blessing for you.. Thank you for sharing this sweet story...it truly blessed and encouraged my heart this morning! I really enjoyed your lovely pictures too...you are a wonderful inspiration!
    Sending oh, so much love your way!

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    1. Unexpected blessings are the best and finest our Lord offers to us, and I will never cease to be amazed at His provision! Isn't it wonderful to know He knows just what we need, and His care for us so generous. Hugs to you today dear Kelly-Anne, appreciate your visit and comment so very much, and pray the Lord blesses your day today in a special way!

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  24. Hi Marilyn! What a great find! I love the red color too. (What helpful chickens you have!)
    I would absolutely love to have a little home like the one you have pictured, separate and quiet...ah. But a place to putter, pot flowers and store things is just as peaceful. You'll have so much fun planning to decorate!
    Blessings,
    Ceil
    PS Thank you for your comment on my blog. I really appreciated it.

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    1. My chickens are great helpers in certain things, for sure! The greenhouse will be such a joy for me, as you said, to putter and pot flowers, etc, and just a peaceful place. I have all winter to plan :) Hugs to you today dear Ceil, and I am always blessed by your writings1

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  25. Dear Marilyn,
    You are so blessed to have two greenhouses! What a good and loving Savior we have to give us such blessings. :)

    I hope you have a sweet day on this Lord's day.
    Love in Christ,
    Ashley

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    1. Oh, yes, I am so blessed, I never expected nor dreamed I would have two! Unexpected blessings are the best and finest our Lord offers to us, and I will never cease to be amazed at His provision! Hugs to you today, appreciate your visit and comment so very much!

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  26. {{{singsonging---falling behind in commenting on blogs--sigh}}}---what a lovely post, Marilyn...always a pleasure to visit with you. Have a beautiful upcoming week, friend.

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    1. Always a joy to have your happy soul visit me too Linda! May the blessings of the Lord be with you today :)

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  27. Oh, thank you so much for sharing. I WANT a chicken coop, so badly. I'm pretty sure our neighbor would try to get me in trouble if we did, even if I kept them in a large amazing coop like this one. We live in somewhat of a subdivision. :( Our kiddos have them, though and I LOVE to feed them....and the goats...and rabbits. ;-)

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    1. Oh, I would hate to be in a position where I couldn't have chickens, but I do understand many places have restrictions in place. But how lovely it is that you can go to your kiddos place and enjoy them, the next best thing :) Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  28. Hi,
    What a fun find. I am excited to see what you come up with for your decorating and use. :-) I know I will get ideas from you, you are so creative.
    Have a great new week,
    Carla

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    1. It is so exciting for me to have not one, but two greenhouses, and I can't wait to pretty it up come spring! Thank you for your sweet words, I always enjoy your love for gardening too, Carla! Hugs to you today dear friend!

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate your kind visit, have a blessed day!

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  30. Oh how very exciting, Marilyn, with this special find! I look forward to see how you decorate this garden shed. Yes, Our Lord surely does provide for us, doesn't He?

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    1. His care for us never ceases to amaze me, Kitty! I stand in amazement daily at the Hand and provision of the Lord! Blessings and hugs to you today dear friend!

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  31. What a special blessing to build your faith!

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    1. Yes, it really is a faith builder for sure! I can't wait for spring now :) Hugs to you today!

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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