The Story of Cottage in The Woods
The dream and vision of Cottage In the Woods
all became focused when my husband Jack and I attended a Path Workshop
sponsored by our church in Grapevine, Texas. In November of 1999 we had
the opportunity to attend a workshop that taught us how to believe and
bring to pass, the vision and purpose that God had for our lives. Also
at the same time discover the deep desires of our hearts. It was an
exciting weekend.
At the workshop we discovered that our
dreams and desires were to minister to couples experiencing
difficulties and heart breaks in marriage and families. We had
experienced some of those same difficulties and heart breaks and knew
how God heals and restores us when we seek Him and believe.
My desire was to have a bed and breakfast
with an organic herb and vegetable garden. Manufacture my own line of
aromatherapy candles, healing lotions and bath products. Bring God’s
healing to the whole person, spirit, soul, and body. Jack’s was to have
a place that he could work in gardens and landscaping enjoying nature
and spend time ministering to others in need.
Jack suggested that we drive to Van the
following day after the workshop and look around. We had lived in East
Texas early in our marriage and he had always liked the feeling of the
Van area and its beauty. We loved the area and felt it was the place
for our heart’s desires to come true. We had some personal situations
that caused delays in our moving. But in March of 2002 by God’s grace,
we bought a ten-acre farm just NE of Van. It is everything we saw and
envisioned, as our heart’s desires that day in November 1999.
The ten acres are beautiful with rolling
hills, large trees and a stream on the backside of the land. The former
owners had planted pear, apple, and peach trees, as well as blackberry
and grape vines. One hundred year old pecan and oak trees grace the
land and Jack has planted lavender beds and other herbs as well. There
is a wonderful barn and shop where I manufacture my candles and bath
and body products. The 1940’s farmhouse has undergone two years of
restoration and is our home for now. It will later be used for a bed
and breakfast. But most important to us is the land itself. We can see
those little cottages sitting among the grove of pine trees on the
north. Those special places where couples that are experiencing the
stress of this hectic life can come and relax. Finding God’s hope,
restoration, revival and renewal for their lives. His presence and
peace are here on the land.
More than anything else, Cottage In The
Woods is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and His love for His
children. He is love, all encompassing love. He only wants the best for
us and He has good and perfect gifts for each and every one of us if we
will seek Him and make Jesus Lord of our lives.
We are so grateful that He has allowed us
to be a part of His plan and purpose for the land here in Van. We ask
for your prayers as we continue to walk by His Spirit being about our
Father’s business. To God be the Glory!
In His Service,
Jack and Lavita Broadhurst