In April 2009, the Lord very clearly told me to prepare a bedroom for our little ones that He had shown me in a vision. (These stories can be accessed quickly on the right hand side of this blog under "Our God Stories").
While preparing the bedroom, I had found many, many castle beds. But, one particular bed continued to pop up and be on my heart and mind. I wanted it. The only problem: the bed was $3,500-$6,000 depending on who and where I bought it from. That was a bit ridiculous for a princess bed. I communicated with 3 different builders... one even came to my home. But, nothing seemed right in my heart. So, I called off all 3 of those deals at different times over the last year.
Instead, I did what I know how to do... I prayed. I confessed that, that bed was going to be in our house some day. I dreamed about it. I spoke it out loud for all the world to know. I never once gave up hope to have that castle.
My girlfriend sent me a CD on faith which reminded me of a story about Dr. David Yonggi Cho. He prayed, and prayed and prayed for 3 things: a bike, a desk, and a chair. But, he was frustrated because God hadn't answered his prayer. One day he asked God why. And he felt God had told him that he needed to be specific about his desires. He needed to write down what kind of bike, desk and chair. And, so he did. And, God answered his prayers.
On September 24, 2009, I wrote in a prayer journal many, many, many situations, people, and things that I am believing for. One of those things was Gabriella's castle bed.
Fast forward ONE YEAR TO THE DAY... September 24, 2010... just a couple minutes before midnight, the Lord spoke very clearly to my heart. And, I heard him very clearly. He told me to get on Craigslist and search "castle bed". I thought about it for a minute... was this God or was this me? Why was this thought so clear? Should I get out of my nice comfy bed and do such a crazy thing? I KNEW that I had heard from the Lord... so, I got up.
As I searched, up came a small gray castle bed. It wasn't what I wanted, but I would settle for it. But, as I responded to the seller, I knew this was not my bed. I felt God was saying, "No... not this one... keep looking!"
I'm not sure what happened next, but within 5 minutes of searching, the castle bed that I had been praying and believing for popped up before my eyes.
I was so excited. I quickly emailed the family and told them my story and that I could meet them in the morning. I didn't fall asleep until after 4am. I couldn't believe it.
As I laid in bed, I began thinking about all the "coincidences": the bed was listed for the exact amount of money I had saved over the last year and a half... money ONLY for the castle bed... a reasonable amount of money... not what I had seen the beds for.
What's more, is the way the bed was coming to me... God spoke to my heart to go on Craigslist (something I hadn't done for months), it was EXACTLY one year to the day that I wrote down my request before the Lord, the bed was only one hour from my home, and the seller would deliver and set-up the bed. WoW!
I had to prep it and then re-paint it, but I was so overjoyed... even if my kids and hubby made me do it all by myself. The final product was just perfect in my mind.
That God delivered this bed to me in a time in our lives where our finances are VERY tight due to the 3 new kids and the loss of my job, got me to think and ask some questions.
I asked Him why He chose this time in our life to deliver this frivolous castle. I felt like He immediately said, "So that you will continue to trust me and know that I am in control."
The sudden death of my mom this summer, raising my 2 teenage nephews, the loss of my job, and the adoption of our littlest princess (all in 3 weeks) wasn't going to change His continued miracles in our life. These life-altering events were not going to destroy us... they are going to build us up. He is not leaving our side.
My faith is great... even in bringing home castles. And, my God is big... He cares about what is important to me. He desires to see me happy. He desires to bless me with the desires of my heart. And, He desires for me to trust Him... regardless of the outside circumstances. If He will do this for me... He will do it for you!
