A New Chapter in the Happily Ever After
There’s big news around here. I honestly don’t quite know what to think myself because the full extent of it has not yet sunk in. We’ll be moving. I didn’t think I’d ever hear myself say it because the agreement between my husband and I was that I’d only leave if God made it completely clear to me that I should by writing a story that only He could. And then He did.
It’s been my husband’s dream to build another house on lots of land where our kids could also build one day if they so chose. And the way he painted it made it sound beautiful to me as well. But it turns out everybody and their mother has that same dream here in Tennessee. The word has gotten out that it’s the best place to be, especially in the past 4 years. So land has been bought up faster than a blink and developers have seemed to take over…unless you want to live waaayy out, which I did not. So we made a list of musts and likes and drew boundary lines around the area we wanted to be. And we handed the list to God. And we waited. I kind of expected Him to laugh and hand it back like everyone else had. I didn’t even start on house plans because I knew it was so unlikely we’d find anything close to what we were thinking of. But here we are on a piece that’s bigger than we planned with more options than we know what to do with in exactly the location we wanted to be. As many times as God has surprised me, I’m still astounded! It’s really so pretty.
It will be a story that unfolds for several years to come, Lord willing. We do plan to get started as soon as house plans are set and builders can start, but that still might take time. There will be much to share as we make many decisions about this new place.
To say we’re thankful and excited doesn’t begin to cover it. The truth is, I’m totally content in my house here. I still love everything about it. But to be able to grow old with these people and have lots of space to make more memories with them is a deal I’m glad to make any day. I hope you’ll join us on this journey!
May 16, 2024 @ 8:32 am
I think this is an awesome plan for your family. Our oldest son Andy built on our little family farm six years ago (where he and his dad grew up) and now our youngest son has started a new home on the farm. Both our sons, their wives and our grandchildren will be here with us in our own little corner of the world. That’s a safe feeling in this uncertain world today. We so enjoy them all being here, learning to be county kids, enjoying nature, golf cart rides, trips to pond to see the turtles – a good sweet place to grow old. Happy for you.
May 16, 2024 @ 10:16 am
Congrats!
Beautiful property!
Tessa
May 16, 2024 @ 11:34 am
My mom sent me this and it made me cry. She follows you on fb and we too are in Knoxville. We have been trying to move for 2 years and I have never sat down and told God what I wanted like this. I just figured He’d say no or laugh as you thought as well but you know what? He just supplied me with a new job that I doubted existed and this shows me He will do this too! Thank you for this. I have such little Faith sometimes it’s shameful!
May 16, 2024 @ 11:35 am
Oh I forgot to say congratulations!! It’s beautiful!
May 16, 2024 @ 1:16 pm
Julie, with so much sadness and uncertainty in our country it is such an encouragement to see what God is doing for your family. Seeing the family together and growing with more grandchildren is the promise of God ” filling your quiver ” Also, for the beautiful land that God is presenting to you and Dave to build and provide areas for your children to build their homes later. You all are blessed because you bless others following His design for His glory first. I love you
May 16, 2024 @ 2:59 pm
This is soooooo great!!! I love that the Lord has blessed you with these dreams and what you need to make them happen. It will be fun following along….
May 16, 2024 @ 6:11 pm
Congratulations! This will a splendid project to follow as you begin this big step in a new paradise!
May 17, 2024 @ 9:36 am
Congrats Julie and family!! What an amazing opportunity and beautiful piece of land. God knows our “dreams” for after the military life; and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us.