The Building You Didn’t Know We Owned - And What Now?

Apr 22

When I recently shared our building on Instagram stories, I was shocked that over 60% of you had no idea it even existed. But honestly? I’m not that surprised. It’s been a long time since I’ve talked about it—so here’s the story.

*Pictured above: our building currently (left entrance, our future office space, right -main entrance, ???)

Why We Bought It

In January of 2024, we bought a building just down the road from our house. The plan was simple: it would be Guy’s workshop. He runs a construction business and needed a place to house it. But how it came to be wasn’t simple at all—it was a total God moment. The kind you look back on and just know it was never random.

Funny enough, when we bought our home nearly eight years ago, I used to joke about buying up all the little storefronts on Main Street and reviving our old forgotten farm town. Guy would laugh and roll his eyes, but when this building came along…we both had a moment of, wait—was that dream not a joke after all?

The building is actually three connected spaces, totaling just over 5,300 square feet. Guy uses the two back sections for his workshop. The third—what we call “my building” sits on Main Street and has sat empty. And that’s where this story really begins.

*January 2024 - right after gaining possession of the building. Our hearts were full of faith and hope. We were so excited for this new beginning!

The Dream (and the Doubt)

When we first bought it, I had visions. A cozy shop filled with home goods, coffee, and community. I even had a name picked out. But as I began to share that dream, doubt crept in. Thoughts like:
“Who do you think you are? Joanna Gaines?”
“This town isn’t right for that.”
“You’re just going to fail.”

Slowly, I believed the lies. The dream faded. I pulled back. The building sat untouched, looking abandoned—just like how I felt about that vision.

Meanwhile, Guy quietly kept working in the back buildings. He never pressured me. In fact, I started resenting the whole thing, telling him we should just rent it out. But deep down, I knew this space was meant for more.

A Conversation That Changed Everything

Fast forward to last week—Guy called me down to make some final decisions on the exterior. On the way there, I ran into our “shop neighbor,” who owned the shop two doors down from ours. He also happens to be the man we bought our house from 7.5 years ago.

We chatted for a bit, catching up but then his tone changed and when I looked into his eyes I could see tears welling up in them. Filled with emotion, he told me how proud he was of us for restoring the building—and how he had always dreamed of bringing this little town back to life. “To watch you two live out that dream,” he said, “it means the world.”

And that’s when it hit me.
This dream? It was never just mine.

It was something passed down. A vision we unknowingly inherited the day he handed us the keys to our home. One he never voiced, but one God quietly transferred to us. And for the first time, I saw the bigger picture I’d been too focused on myself to notice.

What I’ve Realized

That moment reminded me of a truth I’d lost sight of:

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:8

This vision was not mine, it was HIS and it always has been. I was simply invited to steward it. I’m not required to make it happen—but I get to. I get to surrender my control, release the pressure to have it all figured out, and let Him lead.

Right now? I don’t know what this space will become. But I feel something stirring again. I feel Him bringing me back to life. Restoring my vision and reminding me that when I chase my own version of success, I always end up a little empty.

But when I let Him take the lead? That’s where the true purpose—and joy—flows.