May
7
2013
Only God
Posted in Daily Living, Family Life 2 Comments
I pass the corner almost every day.
It was formerly a gas station with a small store to pay for your fill-up.
It has been closed for years.
Many people got their cars repaired and their state inspections done there.
An abandoned corner…literally across the road from the Brandywine River.
In this rural Chester County setting, cyclists and drivers share the road.
Fisherman catch what they can from the river, once the fishing season begins.
The corner is in a prime location.
It always made me sad to see it empty.
Then all of a sudden, there was life…there was busyness…there were renovations.
The corner was waking up.
Painting, repairing, a covered porch added to the side.
I watched and I waited…noticing the changes as I drove by.
Finally, I heard that the building had indeed sold.
I am delighted that a dear friend, her husband, and one of her sons are the co-owners.
Far Away Farms Country Corner.
It is hard to believe the transformation.
As the owners will attest…ONLY GOD!
Only God could enable the purchase, the renovations, the idea.
Only God could perfectly fit the right family to operate something so charming.
Only God.
How wonderful to be there for the “soft opening” with the Grand Opening in June.
My friend and I stopped by…for a cup of tea and a scone or muffin.
I remember how it was.
It is no longer how it is.
You step back in time to an old-fashioned country store.
Large counter with glass jars filled with confections.
Hot tea and coffee, bagels, and quiche.
Breakfast and lunch served daily.
A cozy, quaint table to sit and enjoy the delicious food.
Breakfast counter with comfy stools and a footrest…the way I always remember.
Baked goods enclosed in a glass case.
A case that is begging you to put your nose against the glass.
Pressed in, like a little child, choosing the right muffin, scone, cupcake, or cookie.
Only God.
The owners give Him all the glory.
God went before them in all of this to make it possible.
Their daughter is the official baker.
It is her delectable creations that can be found behind the glass case.
All licenses and permits were granted.
God matched the skill with the need.
We now have a lovely country corner, in the center of our little, historic town.
A place for the cyclists to stop and rest…a place for the fisherman.
A place to sit on the side porch and enjoy the bucolic setting.
Far Away Farms is an actual working farm in two locations.
Natural beef, dairy products, fresh produce, and lovely flowers grown with love.
All local products for us to enjoy.
Back in time…yet moving forward.
They honor God with their schedule as well…open six days a week…closed on Sunday.
As I walked in, I saw their son, who is a co-owner.
Newly engaged, he introduced me to his fiancee.
Mrs. Gallagher taught me in Sunday school…was his introduction, after a big hug.
Yes…he and I go way back…he being the same age as my younger son.
It touched my heart…that he remembered….and that is was important.
I’ll take that kind of introduction any day.
This Country Store has been bathed in prayer.
Many of us have been praying through the whole process.
Every time we passed by, we committed to pray.
God answered.
Only God.
Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-25)
I know that this family loves the Lord with their whole heart.
I know that this family is serving the Lord, as they serve each of their customers.
This Country Store is a testimony to the goodness and faithfulness of God.
They will gladly tell you that.
A photograph, mounted on canvas, hanging on the wall over the counter, shows His Glory.
Like everything else, it is a testimony to Him.
The owner takes photographs…capturing God’s glory in nature.
This is one of her favorites photos…a glorious sunrise over the farm.
The morning mist rising above the fields.
God is in every inch of the splendor captured the instant that photo was taken.
God is in every inch of this place.
Not a sleeping corner any longer.
Now a crossroad…a time to sit a while…time to see neighbors and passers-by.
A respite on our journey.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever. Amen! (Ephesians 3:20,21)
Only God!
Always!
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Those of you who live near Far Away Farms Country Corner, stop by…visit for a while.
Enjoy the delicious food...press your nose against the glass. Be refreshed!
www.farawayfarm.net
Gina, we read your blog this morning…my sister, daughter, Brian, Zarah, and I. Needless to say, Joan & I were crying our eyes out. Your words are so beautiful. Thank you. To HIM be the glory, great things He has done. He’s not finished yet. Thanks for your continued prayers. We need them. God bless! Love Jean
I am delighted that you were blessed, friend!
Jean, God continues to use you and your family for His Glory.
Gina