Fourteen years ago my family and I moved to Richmond, Indiana.  Throughout our time in ministry we lived in provided homes.  The consensus in 2003, and maybe still today, was it would be more financially sound to own.  So, we ventured into the unknown. There were new experiences to encounter:  realtor, house viewings, loan officer, insurance, title company and utility companies.  We were rookies in every way.  Adding these variables to a time crunch, we still did pretty well in finding a home suitable for our family of five. But, that was fourteen years ago.  Now the split-level home doesn’t have two rambunctious boys living in the lower level or making a swing out of an old box spring hanging from one of the thirteen trees on .37 acre.  What it does have is steps; open the front door and you have two options—up or down. I am glad to say that my parents are still living and they have agreed to move from southern Texas to central Indiana.  Therefore, it is expedient that we purchase a home suitable for elderly parents and their children who are headed in the same direction; answer, a ranch-style house. Mona and I have made an offer on a lovely home north of Richmond located on a plot slightly larger than an acre.  Is it everything we want?  No.  Is it everything we need?  Yes, and more.  Will it require work?  That is the one thing I have learned about home ownership—it always takes work. I’m not sure when 1836 Gaar Road will become ours or if it ever will.  There is a thing called “contingency” factor in the purchase; unless all the pieces fall into place it will be very difficult for us to make that transition.   Can you say, “Prayer?” In John 14, Jesus declares, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”  His declaration contains a promise:  “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”  Conclusion:  There will be another moving day somewhere in the future! Selecting and purchasing a home is a big deal.  I’m so glad that I don’t have to count on a realtor for my eternal home—I’ve got Jesus, my Creator, my Savior, my Lord.  What He approves will be exactly what I need, want and desire.  Do you have that confidence?  I pray you do.