I've told you many times that my husband and I have dreamed of living in this beautiful valley for over 24 years. Now that we are finally here, I have to pinch myself quite often. As I walk around my new house, I find that I don't feel quite at home yet. But, it is my stove, "Betsy", that grounds me. She is here - I am here - and we are both too heavy and old to move again!
One year on my birthday, my husband drove me up to this valley in the mountains for a drive. It was one of my favorite birthday presents - to just drive around and wish and dream and pray. We packed up the kids and headed up the winding mountain road. I loved dreaming of living here.
We stopped at a tiny store that was selling local fruit and bought some apples and chocolate covered peanuts - and while we were there I picked up a local newspaper. As I always did, I turned to the Want-Ads to see if there was a just-right-priced house for us, and a-perfect-job-for-me, so we could make our move.
Neither of those were there - but between the advertisements for firewood and odd jobs was this ad:
Antique Stove For Sale.
I squealed to my dear husband - '"Honey, there is an antique stove for sale - can we go look at it?" Well, you have read my stories enough to know that he said, (with abundant enthusiasm), "YES!" and called them on his cell phone.
I had been watching the "Homefront" series and was so smitten by the antique stoves in the series that I could not stop dreaming and wishing for one of my own. And, a Hoosier Cupboard, too, to go with it!
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We drove up and down dirt roads to get there. It seemed so far off the beaten path to the trailer home where the stove was to be.
My heart sank.
They were so poor.
I was afraid. The place was just....well... run-down and dirty. Broken cars and parts in the yard. Not a flower or tree or plant in sight. Just dirt. Yes, I was afraid. What if they were drug dealers and if we went into the house they would beat us and rob us! (I have an overactive imagination).
The old german shepherd was the first to greet us. She could barely walk as her hips were giving out. Several other dogs ran around yapping at us. Then, a man walked up and said, "You here to see the stove?" This man was nearly as young as we were, but he seemed like an old man. He had lost his heart. He was broken. I did not see life in his eyes.
"It's my wife's old stove. She likes old things. She's in the house."
HOUSE! This was not a house! This was a shack with wheels!
The door opened and a friendly woman - just a few years older than me - waved us onto the porch to see the stove. She was so happy and just radiated joy - pure joy! She told us the story of where she got it - in Los Angeles somewhere - and the movie star estate it came out of - and how she had it for about 10 years, but they needed the cash, so she was selling it. Intuitively I believed that there was a LOT more to this story.
The stove was too big. It wouldn't fit in my kitchen. It didn't have the little shelf over the top that I'd seen on the "Homefront" program. No, it wasn't right. And, when she told me the price she wanted for it - I thought perhaps she thought we were rich! No - not rich. More like one step away from poverty ourselves. But, my husband had a job. A good job, with a future.
I don't know how we found out - I remember hubs was talking outside with the husband while the kids played. I sat on the couch and pet their friendly old dog, dirty as it was. I rubbed my hands on my jeans. Wife was cooking chili and invited us for lunch - but, I do remember that Hubs said we were buying it. I said it was too expensive and too big and he said, "we are buying it. They need the money. Bad."
The man had just gotten home from prison. He had made a lot of mistakes and gotten himself into selling drugs. He grew up in this wonderful valley and I thought - why would anyone do drugs when beauty is everywhere - and God lives here!
He was broken - but, there was a wee bit of light coming from his voice. He was trying to speak and let the faith out amidst the shame.
"I am a changed man", he told my husband.
And, my hubs believed him.
He told my husband that he had given his life to the Lord while in prison and now that he was out he had found a place in a good church in town. We knew the church and that the pastor who would love him.
He was afraid for his family. They had no money. He had no job.
He knew he could make lots of money selling drugs, but he couldn't go back to that life.
My husband, sometimes struggling in his own faith and walk, perhaps saw himself in this man. Compassion rose up. Whether it was wise or not - whether the man was telling the truth or not - we will never know. He gave the man a check for TOO much money. He'd worked "a lot of overtime", he had "the cash", he said. And, I worried. It was about all the savings we had in those days.
But, my husband brought that too big stove home.
He said it was as "heavy as a bear". I named her 'Betsy.
I cannot walk past Betsy without thinking of that woman who told me that she was "standing in faith for her husband". She was believing God for healing and wholeness. She was believing God for a whole lot!
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We've been married for 35 years. We have had our own battles. The "beast" has attempted to destroy our home and love. But, it was people who loved us and prayed for us and reached out when we needed it that made such a difference. They helped me "to stand" for my husband. God knows we need each other. We need hugs and kisses. We need pats on the back. We need gentle reminders. We need shoves in the right direction. God uses folks like you and me to get His work done, sometimes.
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Sunday at church, a sweet couple shared about Kairos Prison Ministry. I am familiar with Kairos because our Christian School supports their ministry. My Kinder-Kids color Bible pictures and write sweet notes on the back telling of God's love. But, did you know they have a ministry for women and families, too? It's called Kairos Outside. It supports families, wives, and children, who sometimes feel alone while their loved ones are in prison. It helps them to not be in a prison of their own - a prison of shame, abandonment, or fear.
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Hubs and I are so blessed.
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A little bit about the stove. The lady said it was made in the 1920's - but, I am not sure of that. It was the kind of stove that was probably in a wealthier home. She named the famous actress, but I no longer remember her name. She said it came from Hollywood. The top is porcelain, and the two sides lift up when you want to use the stove. On the left is a wood-burning area, and you can put pots on top and burn trash inside. There was a stovepipe, but that is in the garage. Then, there are 4 burners in the middle, and on the left is a porcelain area for a workspace. The oven is small. There is a warmer underneath the oven. Then, there are two drawers for storage in the middle. We used it in our house when the kids were little for a short time. Since then, it is a sort of decorative piece. My girlfriend called it the "Shrine to the Unknown Housewife!" I love this stove so much - not just because it reminds me of my sweet husband who has wrestled with his own demons - but, because I remember the sweet Wife - who loved her husband - and Believed.
So, so enjoyed your post and pictures! How wonderful to have those vintage collectibles - they are awesome!
Posted by: lorihairston | February 07, 2013 at 05:54 PM
I had a cute little stove like yours but it had a shelf. It needed to be totally restored so it sat in our garage for awhile and then my husband needed the room and we sold it. So sad about that! Thanks for coming by and saying hello. Mimi
Posted by: Mimi Sue | February 07, 2013 at 07:50 PM
What an absolutely beautiful and touching story. I'm so glad you rescued the stove. Your pictures and vignettes of your collections are equally charming.
Posted by: Kim Kenward | February 08, 2013 at 02:39 AM
The beast is sure busy isn't he? Enjoyed your story as I started my day and love how the stove and hoosier hold such a special place in your home ... lovely display. Elaine
Posted by: e | February 08, 2013 at 07:24 AM
I don't know how you were able to write that story without breaking down...but I was blinking back tears. I am so glad you shared that lovely story...there are so many people who need a little love and forgiveness. And there are wonderful people like your husband who overlook a person's past and see the possibilities for the future.
Posted by: shirley hatfield | February 08, 2013 at 07:40 AM
What a wonderful and inspiring story! God moves in mysterious ways, doesn't He? I couldn't help sending a small prayer that the poor family was able to recover and have a happy life despite their struggles. Thank you for sharing and making my day a little brighter.
Posted by: HeidiAphrodite | February 08, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Such a wonderful story!!!Your stove is just lovely....it looks terrific with your cupboard!! So glad I decided to look at blogs during lunch today...it's been a hard day at work and this post put a smile on my face....things aren't so bad!
Warmly chris
Posted by: chris mckinley | February 08, 2013 at 12:47 PM
That was a touching story! Thank you for sharing, I love your old stove and your cupboard...Someday I would love to have all old appliances :) Old appliances remind me of my grandparents and their house :) Someday!!
Posted by: Laura | February 08, 2013 at 01:48 PM
A beautiful stove and story!! God had you two there for a reason! So glad it has found a sweet place in your gorgeous home!! Have a lovely weekend!! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | February 08, 2013 at 03:08 PM
What great story about the stove and what a wonderful husband you have.
Chris =]
Posted by: Chris | February 08, 2013 at 05:44 PM
Patti what an amazing story. I can't help but believe God honored your husband's sacrifice & made a way or will make a way for that couple to prosper in their relationship with Him. How beautiful it will be when you & your hubby are in glory and the man steps up to you and says....remember that stove, this is what God did with your faithfulness...what a glorious day that will be! Have a lovely weekend! : )
Posted by: Patti M | February 08, 2013 at 07:57 PM
Patti,
Wow....what a way to start my day....thank you for this......for so many reasons....Love, Sandy
Posted by: Sandy McClay | February 09, 2013 at 10:09 AM
That's a sweet story and the stove is just beautiful!
Sandy xox
Posted by: Sandy | February 10, 2013 at 07:39 AM
I love your stove. And what an amazing story about love. Loving enough to look past imperfections and stand by someone. Loving your neighbor enough to give when help was needed. Thank you for having a kind heart and believing that God would lead you to do what is right.
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | February 11, 2013 at 12:12 PM
Dear sweet Patti,
I am so thankful to have discovered you just a few short months ago. You have such a precious story to tell and in everything you always seek to honor God. I love each priceless detail of the history of your beloved "Betsy". God is so good to us and he leads us to cross paths with so many hurting people. Your husband was listening closely to God's voice that day. Thank you for sharing...
Blessings,
Carolynn xoxo
Posted by: Carolynn | February 11, 2013 at 09:37 PM
Tammy, I love most your husband's enthusiasm for you. This stove was a glimpse at your future. That it has come true, is the sweetest Valentine's gift I can imagine for your both. Wishing you only happiness! Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 13, 2013 at 07:02 PM
Happy Valentine's Day, Patti...
I'm so excited. I just signed up for my very first swap at Sandy's 521 Lake Street.
I can't wait to see who my swap pal will be.
I hope your day was happy!
Smiles,
Carolynn xoxo
Posted by: Carolynn | February 14, 2013 at 09:28 PM
What a beautiful testimony to read very early in the a.m. . Starting my day uplifted.
Posted by: Susan | February 15, 2013 at 03:18 AM
Oh, I have tears in my eyes as I read your post! What a beautiful post and I'm sure you do cherish your darling stove! God does work in mysterious ways and you have proof!
Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Posted by: Shelia | February 18, 2013 at 05:48 AM
Patti,
This is one of my favorite posts ever. Not only do I love the pictures, love the stove, and love how you are using it and how perfectly it fits with your decorating, I am completely in love with the story of how you got it. Amazing. I'm so happy you were able to move to your dream place, and so happy you could help out those people back then. Wonderful, wonderful story. I thank you for sharing it with us.
I also want to thank you for stopping by and leaving the nice comment on my blog. I'm so glad you liked my dolls. I do love them, they make me smile every time I see them!
Hugs,
Julie
Posted by: Ric Rac and Polka Dots | February 18, 2013 at 07:10 AM
Patti, that was a wonderful way to start my day! The grace you have shown and the memory and willingness to share the 'rest of the story' as Paul Harvey said, is enough to melt any heart!
Posted by: Tammy | February 18, 2013 at 07:35 AM
Oh Patti what a sweet story. Y'all's hearts are in the right place. I just love the stove and how you have it decorated. Soooo sweet. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for the sweet comment.
Hugs
donnna
Posted by: donna | February 18, 2013 at 09:21 AM