So … I mentioned recently there were some changes on the horizon … and then I posted the song “Move” the other day …
When life won’t play along
And right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way
I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down
Oh, I’ll keep dancing anyway
I’m gonna move (move)
I’m gonna move (move)
I’m gonna move (I’m gonna move)
I’ve got to hold ‘er steady
Keep my head in the game
Everything is about to change
Everything is about to change
This hurt is getting heavy
But I’m not about to cave
Everything is about to change
There’s gonna be brighter days
I just might bend but won’t break
As long as I can see your face
And that’s just what I went and did … I moved. As I’ve mentioned, our family is going through a difficult time right now … unfortunately I’ve learned the more difficult the circumstance, the smaller your surrounding {town} suddenly gets. Taylor did not feel safe and the stress of the whole situation was affecting my health. For the most part, the girls were pretty protected, but in a few short years, I’m afraid they’d find themselves smack dab in the middle of fishbowl 101. Something I will fight to protect them from.
So as difficult and stressful as a move is, ultimately, it was the best thing for my family.
We moved a month ago. To North Carolina. We’ve had our ups and downs, but overall … I’m thankful we did it.
Looking back to the lyrics of the song … I’ve never been one to sit idyl. I’m a strong advocate of changing your surroundings if you need to move forward. Stuck in a job or career? Change it. Looking for a new adventure? Find it. Interested in a new hobby? Research it.
Again, why sit and wallow in complaints? You are the only one that can make a change.
So, what of that move of ours? Our house wasn’t quite ready to move into when we arrived, so we stayed at the waterpark for a few days first … I was quite smitten with the “cubs in hibernation” notation.
When the house was finally ready, the crazy of unloading a semi full of boxes started … it took two full days to unload the boxes off the truck! A minor meltdown on my part had my mommy in town and helping the very next day. I couldn’t have done it without her! Thank you mom!
The girls seemed oblivious to the chaos surrounding them! I suppose it’s probably better that way …
Our new home sits on the lake, and given the warmer climate I’m able to spend my morning devotion time outside on the patio. I took this photo during said devotion …
And in the evening, we are blessed with views like this …
And even a game or two of bocce ball.
Our life is still a whole lotta crazy, with an abundance of healing that needs to take place. But I think we’re finally on the right path …
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I’m so sorry to read about what has been happening. I would have moved too, I think it’s definitely wise.
Your new home looks beautiful and I hope your family can find some peace and a new start.
Thinking of you in Christchurch, New Zealand :)
your new home looks lovely and i know that it will feel like HOME with time + with your tracie magic. blessings to you on your new fresh start my friend. xoxo, J :)
Tracie – I’m so happy to see you on the pitching mound again:) I’m catching what your throwing and couldn’t agree with you more! I’m so glad that everything is becoming a peaceful crazy once again, but we would have it any other way would we? All the girls look happy and healthy and that is the most important thing in life! Congrats Tracie once again you have handled this big change with style, grace and beauty!
Can I come sit on your patio with you?
Beautiful. You. And your patio.
thinking of you tracie! the new home looks amazing … hope you’re able to settle in soon. xo
Welcome to the Carolinas, I am in upstate SC! I am sorry to hear how things have been going but am glad that you are brave enough to take charge like you did!! I LOVE the new house, it is beautiful!
I agree 100% with Stacey. So happy to stop by hear today and read your beautiful words.
Holy moly! I’m so sad to hear that you moved!! BUT, you are doing what’s best for you and your family, and that’s what matters most. What a beautiful place to start again and heal. Take care, Tracie! (P.S., You inspired me to push forward with my photography and this past weekend I took MeRa’s confidence workshop — it was amazing! Thank you for the inspiration!)
May many blessings come to you in your new home! What a beautiful home & patio for a beautiful soul…peace to you and your girls on your new journey! Virtual hugs from afar :)
Your sunrise and sunset views are incredible! Are hope they are restoring your soul as well and that you all are settling in nicely to your new home.
my friend, so nice to see you posting again. you just continue to amaze me with your strength…love and always the best to you.
I pray that you find peace in your new surroundings and we continue to pray for you.
Praying that you find peace and wholeness again as a family and that God would restore and make new what the enemy tried to destroy!
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)
you know i cried at the smiling girls on the rug, right? you are their safe place.
and for my eyes to see your place… your view, your words, your cautious contentment… oh, it is good for my soul. i miss you :) but you are always right here in my heart, with prayer running all around you. xoxo
You’re back! I can feel it in your voice & that makes today feel super special! Love how you protect the girlies, even if it means a big life change. You are such a inspiration & the girls are lucky & blessed to have you as their mama bear. Loving your new view & can’t wait to sit on your patio & catch up :-)
A beautiful home, with a beautiful view, for a beautiful family! I’m so happy you have a new place to start over and heal with your girls. They are truly blessed to have you as a mother. My heart goes out to you…but I know you will all perservere!
It’s beautiful! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I am. SO. proud. of. you. Your strength and grace in this entire situation is inspiring. Big, big hugs to the girls. (love the photo of them together!)
the views from your home look beautiful, it will be a peaceful loving place where you can be together………. Marie
“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”
Mother Teresa
Miss you but so very happy for you and the girls. I’m think’in “road trip” once the frost comes here!!! :)
I’m sorry to read that you have been going through some trials. I’ve been thinking of you and hoping that all was okay. I pray that God continues to watch over you and your precious family. *hugs from the islands*
Sorry to hear that our area has lost such an amazing and talented person. Good luck to you and the girls.
so happy for you friend :)
looks very peaceful and relaxing
“welcome home”
xo
Your new home is beautiful and so are you and your girls!!! I have missed you my friend! xoxo
Looks like a stunning place to live.
Oh Ms. Tracie, you will love North Carolina! I live in this great state as well. I would love to get together and do lunch someday. I feel like you are an old friend! Please let us know if you need anything. Prayers from my family to yours! God knows what he is doing and he will reveal his plan when you least expect it! Just hold tight, he will never leave you!
Michelle
Your life has a whole lotta “crazy” AND a whole lotta “love”! I’m so tickled to peek at your new home. It looks almost as lovely their SMILES!!! I hope you new hope now feels safe and warm and HOMEY. xoxoxoxoxo
I knew you have always been on the right path…. It’s your path tracie. Think of how God had Jesus suffer for all of us…. so can’t we all suffer, too? Think of how Jesus’ suffering has changed lives towards God…… so can’t we all change lives through our suffering, too? You have changed my life tracie stier-johnson. God’s love surrounds you and we can all see that from our paths.
I am praying for you and your family. God is good, never forget that (I know you wouldn’t)!
Your new home is beautiful! I trust that this will be good for the peace of your family.
I love your new layout btw!
better is one day in the courts of God than a thousand elsewhere…in the midst of change and the unknown I know God continues to draw you close…He is glorified in you…praying still.
Sending you tons of good thoughts and well wishes on your new home. That patio is good for the soul. Hope you’re all feeling safe and surrounded with love.
I’ve missed your posts during your move. Glad to see the beautiful smiles and once again read your amazing words. As always you are such an encouragment! I once again admire your ability to put your trust in the Lord! Thank you for sharing!
Tracie
It’s so amazing to read all the encouraging comments of friends you seem to have made from near and far. I know you made an impact on me since meeting you at MeRa’s workshop a few years back. I have loved reading your encouraging posts, daily inspirations, MODsquad and all around your inner thoughts that seem to have given many hearts and souls the warmth they were needing to hear at that moment. When I first met you I was on a leave of absence myself from my employer (my dad) for reasons that I never thought I would have to go through. You are such an awesome momma to your girls and friend to so many.
Dear Tracie! I’m so happy to see you are back! Good luck with the new house – the views are beautiful! Hope you’re all doing very well and are happy with the whole moving and new place! The girls look very happy in the picture so I take that as a good sign! Good luck with everything, I really hope this can help your family :) Lots of love, Mia.
God Bless you and your family. Your courage and belief has given you such strength through all you have had to deal with. But know at the same time you have inspired so many many people and continue to do so. I’m just sorry that I wasn’t able to benefit from your great talent while you were in Racine. Not only do your words send an inspiration your photography does as well. Keep your head high and your smile bright and please continue to share with so many of us that are inspired through your words. Your new home is absolutely beautiful and so surreal. Reading your words gives me such peace…I pray that some day I will be so blessed.
beautiful views, my friend! warmth for those reverent moments is so great. and we LOVE bocce here! daisy’s our reigning champ here. and she even wiped the floor with her dad at his grandma’s the other night! :) luv u. ::hugs::
Your strength and faith continue to inspire me. I pray that when I am faced with my trials I can be even half as much of a witness you have been. Praying for you and your family.
Your strength and faith continue to inspire me. I pray that when I am faced with my trials I can be even half as much of a witness you have been. Your girls are so lucky to have you as a mom. Praying for you and your family.
Your new home looks beautiful! Love that you make the tough decisions to look out for your family. I love NC. My husband and I moved there shortly after we got married, but now are back in Dallas, TX. I pray that you find the peace, healing, strength and rejuvenation that you need in your new surroundings and environment. Your new home looks absolutely amazing.
Oh my goodness – first of all, I am simply amazed at how strong you seem. Wow. Hugs to you and your girls. You all amaze me.
Second, that is the most amazing view. Ever. Just simply breathtaking. Wow. And I hope that the warmer climate does something for your MS.
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