Some things I hope to NEVER Create on my blog

3 Things I Hope to Never Create on my Blog
I’ve been thinking a lot lately. (I know…dangerous.)

I’ve been thinking about YOU.

You have been heavy on my heart.

I wonder what you think and feel when you visit my blog.

 

One thing I know is that God has placed this blog in my life.

I also know that it is HE who gave me a creative mind.  I feel God’s pleasure in my life when I am creating.

But lately, I keep thinking about things I do NOT want to create.

 

 

I do not want to create…discontentment.

It is very easy to look at all the beautiful home blogs out there and feel discontent with what we have in our own homes.  If you are like me, I sometimes look at other blogs and think, “Wow!  I wish I had a house like that!”  or “My house would look so much prettier if I had her furniture.”

Do you ever do that?

It is my prayer, that you do not find discontentment when you visit my blog.  I want to inspire you to try new things and encourage you to to flex your creative muscles.  However, I do not want you to visit my blog and feel discontentment because you cannot do or have something you see on my blog.

Please know that it is not the things we possess in this life that bring us true joy and peace.  True contentment can only be found in Jesus.  If we have him, we have all we need.

Whenever I feel discontent with my home or with my circumstances, I remember my sweet mother singing to me, “Count your blessings, name them one by one…Count your blessings, see what God has done….”

Oh, how good He has been to me. 

And Oh, how he loves you. 

I pray you find rest and contentment in Him.

 

I do not want to create…frustration.

I pray you do not get frustrated with yourself. You may feel like you never do “enough”, or that your “enough” is not as good as so-and-so’s.

Please understand that my blog has become my business. I now make money from my blog. It is my “job” to provide good content for my readers. I am always thinking about new projects that I can tackle and share on my blog.

If I were not blogging, believe me, I would not be putting out as many projects as I am right now. Yes, I would still be doing DIY projects with my husband. We’ve been doing that in every house we’ve owned for the last 15 years. But I wouldn’t be doing them as quickly.

Do what you can do, and don’t worry about the rest.  It really doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things.  Rejoice in the things you do accomplish, however big or small they may be.

This may be silly, but sometimes I worry about your husbands.  Smile

I am very fortunate to have married a very handy man, but I know that I am in the minority.  Please do not get frustrated when your husbands do not have the desire to do major renovations in your home.  Please do not give them a guilt trip by showing them my blog and saying, “Look at what Traci’s husband did!”

Maybe you do not do that.  But I’m not as sweet as you.  Smile 

I will confess that I have given my own husband a guilt trip to try and get him to do something I wanted him to do.  And I shouldn’t have. 

Ultimately, our relationship with our husband is way more important than any home improvement project.  Can I get an Amen?!

 

I do not want to create…a false picture of who I really am.

Of course, I would love to always put my best self on my blog.  I would love for you all to think I had it all together. 

But the reality is, I am usually a total mess.  I am always behind on laundry and dishes.  I yell at my children and hate to clean my house.  I’d rather eat out than cook.   I dye my hair to cover the grays, and I am desperate for a miracle cream to get rid of the ever-appearing wrinkles on my face.

And though it is humbling, that is who I want you to see on my blog.  I do not have it all together, and I never will.

But I am beginning to find beauty in my messed-up self.  Smile

I love the old Amy Grant song, “All I ever have to be is what HE’s made in me.”

God loves me as I am.  HE is the only one who can make me into a better person and more than I could ever dream to be.  It is my heart that matters most.  I pray that He sees beauty in my heart.

I pray that you see me as someone just like you.  And I pray that we can uplift and encourage one another along this journey called “life.”

 

 

Here are a few things I DO hope to create on my blog…

 

1.  A place of inspiration.

2.  A place of encouragement.

3.  A place of authenticity.

4.  A place where you see and feel the love of Jesus.

 

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following my blog.

Thank you for always supporting and encouraging me.

You are a blessing in my life!

 

104 Comments

    1. Traci,
      I follow your blog daily and I am always inspired by it, mostly from the way you wrote about your mother and your family and your dad remarrying and all that. That has touched my heart. I am married to a very wonderful man and he is very handy. We have remodeled 6 houses, he remodels them and I decorate them and then they are sold. That afforded us to pay cash for our little cottage about 50 miles south of where you live. Our home is a work in progress all the time. My living room steps are not finished, the dry wall is not finished on one side. My bedroom is stripped to the frame because my honey had to put new seals underneath the house. On the other hand, I have a gorgeous new kitchen that he built, although I don’t have all the gorgeous cabinets that I seen on blogland and would love to have. Be it ever so humble, it’s more than I ever thought I would have. I have a beautiful new bedroom over my new kitchen that we are fortunate enough to have. God has truly blessed me in so many ways but now I am getting older and can’t do what I used to do and it makes me mad! I want to still do everything! However, I must be practical. I still work full time and we run an auction and my website and there is very time, I mean minutes, to get anything else done, so my decorating has to take a back seat. One day, I hope to retire and do all the fun things I see in blogland. I didn’t mean to write a book, just so you know, your true spirit comes out on your blog of who you really are and how God directs your life. Have a good day Traci.

  1. Traci, I don’t think you could ever make people feel bad if you tried. I really appreciate that you have stayed the same sweet person and that there are no airs or “cliquishness” about you. Bless you.

  2. Traci, YOU are a blessing! I am so glad to have found your blog and that was just last week when I was looking up how to stain concrete (BTW you did a GREAT job on yours!) I could tell that you were a Christian from the start – keep on doing what you are doing, you are an INSPIRATION to many. And I just want you to know that I was able to see Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith in concert last month (it wasAWESOME) my oldest son was able to get 3rd row seats – it was quite a treat :) I have 3 sons and 1 daughter who are all adults now (23 – 37) but remember the crazy days when they were all at home. Thank you for being true to Jesus for it is He who blesses us with our talents – keep on using yours to inspire us!

  3. You are amazing, you know that? I love your love for Jesus and I love that you write with your heart. :) I wrote a similar post a few months ago – about being discontent – wanting the home that every other blogger seemed to have. It can get overwhelming and really in the grand scheme of things. all we really need is Jesus. :) xoxo

    p.s. Laundry is my nemesis. I can NEVER get it under control. :/ lol

  4. Well I guess I’m going to have to post this after all. I just kind of figured it would be weird. But it’s been on my mine a few weeks that I should. Your blog (and your sister’s) have been such a huge blessing to me. I really think God led me here to have inspiring and faith lead messages. There have been days I need that extra boost and there you two are to lift me up in one wAy or other. If I could, I’d give you a huge hug and say thank you so much for being you and sharing yourself, family and faith with me. It means more than you know!

  5. Wow Traci! You struck a cord with me as I have been struggling with how I spend my time. Oh and the husband part;) Thankfully I have a pretty handy and helpful hubs too but sometimes I feel like I’m having an affair with my computer and hobby lobby! Not a good thing. You have such a beautiful heart and soul! Thanks for your prayers and honesty.

  6. Traci, I want to thank you for being a vessel – saying the words that I believe maybe so many of us may need to hear. I admit that I can get caught up in the envies and the thoughts and feelings of discontentment Satan likes to plant. It’s not a fun place to be! It steals away my appreciation for all the wonderful blessings I DO have! So, THANK YOU for reminding me that the one and only thing that matters, EVER, is Jesus and His undeniable love and faithfulness to me!

    I ALWAYS enjoy reading your blog. “To much is given, much is expected”… you are a living testimony to that statement. :)

  7. Tracy, you’re awesome. You’re one of my all time favorite bloggers and one of the reasons for that is your honesty. I love how honest you are about life…both the ups and downs. You’ve always shared honestly about your precious Mom, your Dad remarrying, your finances vs working out of the house, your projects you like and those you don’t etc. You get the picture! As we both know, God loves variety! Your and my lives look totally different from one anthers, but I know we’d be good friends if we lived near each other! Thanks for all you do and for answering God’s call to produce this blog.

  8. That is a beautiful post. It is good to be reminded of the why’s of people’s blogs. A reality check is such a beautiful and humble and respectful way to honour readers.

    I enjoy seeing the things you come up with, the projects that you do. Good for you for making a job out of something you love, this is what the true inspiration should be in a blog such as yours. (And really, whether or not you make great money means nothing to me, it is whether or not you make great content (yes), are honest (yep) and enjoy what you are doing (shining through here) that are the measures of your success.

    So thank you. For your lovely blog and your even lovelier offering of yourself.

    <3 All of us moms need to band together and be imperfect so that we might learn each others' strengths and celebrate them, rather than feel intimidated, jealous and made smaller by them.

    karen

  9. I have found that you are doing a fine job conveying those things you want too…

    Thanks for your time and effort on this blog!

  10. I am so happy to have found your blog. I loved this post! I am chronically ill and don’t have much imagination. I love seeing all the new ideas out there and some things are simple enough for me to try or ask others to do for me. Jesus is my best friend. So glad you know Him too!

    Blessings to you and yours,
    Elaine

  11. Thanks for posting this today as it was exactly what I needed to read. I’ve been reading so many blogs lately and not feeling very content with my home and wanting to change everything. DUH – I feel lik I’ve just been hit with a V8!

  12. I feel like many of the posters above. I work very hard at a full time job & a part time job while my husband is doing a residency in pediatrics (at least we’re done with med school!) & isn’t able to help out much with the home stuff. We rent because we don’t know where we’ll have to go in 2.5 years for fellowship. I see all of these lovely blogs with women with lovely homes that they own & lovely children & lovely handy husbands & sometimes feel envious. My husband “fixes” people, but he doesn’t know how to hold a hammer… It was so refreshing to read this & almost made me cry. Sometimes I feel like I’m running in circles trying to keep everything in line & I have to remember to calm down & that I don’t have to DO and BE everything to everyone…

  13. I don’t usually ever comment, but I’ve been reading your blog regularly for over a year. This post is exactly why I love to do so. You truly do inspire beauty in homes and especially hearts!

  14. I think you do a fabulous job. You’re completely down to earth, with a sparkle. It’s like a friend you have known forever that doesn’t mind showing you the messy bits as well. Most people wouldn’t show themselves in DIY clothes, but you do it almost every post of the kitchen remodel. I love it because it’s real life.
    And I choose to be inspired by your house, not jealous, envious, or discontent because I know God has placed us here in this fabulous adorable Bungalow for a reason. :)

  15. Girl, I confess that sometimes I do have some of those feelings you listed. It’s just so easy to feel off-kilter when looking at some of the incredible houses you see in the blogosphere. In particular I feel that way when I read about some of the girls who are so very clean and organized (when I’m messy and disorganized!).

    But that’s never the way it is at Beneath My Heart.

    I thank you for writing this post. I remember your saying to me that, whatever platform you had, you’d use it to preach Christ. I am so glad that you’re able to follow your dream with your blog, but I am really thankful that you’re using it faithfully! You can get a whole boatload of “Amens” from me!

    Love you!

  16. Traci,

    Lately God has been dealing with me in those areas. Feelings of discontent, frustration & feeling that I just can’t ever get it all done. One I start thriving in one area of my life it feels like everything else falls apart and I fail.

    Blogs like yours though don’t make me envious, they inspire me, especially when you become totally and completely real with your readers. The first time I ran across your blog and I read your posts about your mother, it connected SO deeply with me because I too lost a wonderful mother as well. I understand your pain, and I thank you for your raw honesty.

    I sat here and read this post and felt like God put it on your heart just for me, because it is exactly what I needed.

    Day by day I’m learning.

    Thanks so much for your blog. It means more to your readers than you will ever know.

  17. Wow Traci, you have just spoke to my heart in volumes. I just found your blog, while I am sitting here pondering where to go with my blog. It is hard to explain my thoughts, because I don’t want to feel like I am copying someone elses’ blog, but yet I love/do so many of the same things. It makes me wonder why anyone would visit if I am the same as everyone else, but yet I know it is about putting my own spin on things and building friendships.
    Well, my computer is acting funny, so for now thank you, I am now a follower.

  18. Traci, you know you inspire me! LOL Because I read your blog I got my butt moving and now I’m on my way to a new, white kitchen:) No, I don’t have a pantry or wood ceiling but that’s okay I’m satisfied with what I do have but I’m so happy for YOU that you do have the pantry and the new wood ceiling, I’m always happy for someone when they recieve something that I love! So much better than dealing with that ugly monster…Jealousy! The other day I was directed to a new blog and I was so amazed at the size of her new home she was building and also where the house was being built but happy for her because at this time in her life that’s is where God wants her to be just the same as where I’m at, every morning when I open my eyes I thank Him for all that he has blessed me with…I’m grateful and I think that’s the key, being grateful for what you do have! My husband is very handy too but when he’s not in the mood for something for the home I respect that, we are both 60 and 61 so there are somethings that we just can’t do anymore such as me laying on the floor painting underneath the cabinets! Even in my 50’s I would have jumped right up from the floor after I was done but now not so much, he had to help me up! LOL
    Thanks for a wonderful post today!
    Rondell

  19. Traci, I’ve been reading your blog for several months…maybe a year (time flies by). I frequently bookmark a blog I find interesting and then “debookmark” it in a short time. Your blog has always been interesting, but what has kept me coming back daily is the sincerity and authenticity I find in your posts. As a follower of Christ, I love that your faith in Him shines through. May God bless you and your sweet family and may he keep you and Cy safe as you tackle those home improvement projects. When I saw the pic of you standing on that counter (or ladder or whatever), using that nail gun, nailing those planks on the ceiling, I wanted to shout, “Get down from there you crazy girl.” ha!! Yes, I’m old enough to be your mom.

  20. thank you for your honesty!! That is why I Love your blog!! You inspire me with your classic style and creativity. I also appreciate another mother of 4 who dosen’t pretend that her life is perfect!! Thank you for all your hard work:)

  21. Traci, you are inspiring and encouraging and authentic, but most of all you do show the love of Jesus. You feel like a friend even though we have never met. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with so many!

    Misty

  22. Thank you for sharing your heart. I do feel discontentment at times but then I remember that these women are all just like me. They probably all wish for more time in a day to create what they’ve seen in their minds eye. They’re all striving to be better mothers, better wives, better business people, better homemakers etc… I need to constantly remind myself that I need to be thankful for what God has given me. The abilities, skills, talents and the ideas. I want to be 100% genuine me and not a copycat of anyone else. That usually squelches discontentment for me.

  23. A great post! I think sometimes we forget that bloggers are showing their best faces and not the frustrated beating their heads against a brick wall because the kids just dumped EVERY toy bin in the house in the middle of the floor AGAIN and then spread some cheerios from one end of the house to the other. :)

  24. I never battle discontentment when I come to your blog, but I am inspired to be a better mother. I am inspired to get things done so I can have a beautiful home. I’m soooo not crafty and decorating my family’s new condo has been a very challenging TASK for me. Your blog has given me much inspiration and not just with renovation/decorating ideas. Your blog inspires me to believe that I could actually pull off some projects to make my house my home!

    Thanks for the honest, moving post. I love it when you get sappy on us! :-)

  25. Traci,
    Your post is exactly what I needed to read today! I have been so busy lately and tomorrow is my one year blogaversary. I feel like I just don’t have the energy to be creative this week. For some reason I have been giving myself pressure to come up with some kind of block-buster posts of all posts just because it has been one year. After I read your post I realized how silly I was feeling. I feel such a sense of relief now. It’s funny how we put so much pressure on ourselves for things like that. Thanks, you helped bring me back to reality and I feel like I can relax a little more today!
    -Shelley

  26. I just love you & your realness with us. You have have never made me feel those negative feelings because after you show us the “pretty, all-put-together project” you always point your camera to the other side to show us the dishes/clothes/whatever on the other side of the room! That’s being real!

    Keep delighting yourself in the Lord, sweet friend!

  27. Traci,

    You are such a blessing. I love that you improve your home and talk about what Christ is doing in your life. You’re doing a great job on this blog. I think your mother would be so proud of you and your sister. This blog is your mission for Jesus. Keep up the good work! I love following your projects. Can’t wait to see how your addition and kitchen turn out!

  28. You said SO WELL what I been thinking about for some time….that’s why I take regular blog reading breaks…….I know exactly what you mean! thanks for sharing your heart……I love your soul!
    Suzanne

  29. What a wonderful post. I found your blog from thrifydecorchick and I must say that this post today has helped me so much. I was just “venting” to my sister about what a mess my house is and she reminded me that I work a 50hr a week job outside my home, have two small kids and thus, very little free time. Thank you for reminding me as well!

  30. Traci, I think you’re in the clear. Your blog is definitely encouraging and allows the Light of Jesus shine through. Thank you for having a Christ-centered blog; it’s so refreshing!

  31. Thank you for posting this! I share your passion. My home doesn’t look like yours, or like many of the “decorator” blogs I find. But I know that the grace God has given me, He’s given differently to others (realized that through a Women of Faith devotional!). I also pray that Jesus is found in our home, that it (as well as my life) is used to glorify the One who loves me and gave Himself for me.

  32. This is beautiful and so perfectly said! I had to share with my facebook fans. My new years resolution is to photograph more messy baby faces, floors strewn with toys and untidy kitchens when were baking at 3am :-)

  33. I cannot add anything to the above posts other than to try your best at being your true self, Traci. I find it to be an ongoing battle inside myself. Every. Single. Day. I wish more of us could be true to ourselves outside the virtual world. In my opinion, we are more apt to be honest when we are cloaked in anonymity. When someone unexpectedly knocks on your door, were you ever tempted to just not answer it because the house was not clean enough? I have. So so many are caught up in appearances, myself included. I am a work in progress at being my “true self” and for me, it is a daily struggle. Great post.

  34. I found this post and your blog through Thrifty Decor Chick’s link on facebook. I am so thankful that I did. As a new blogger, trying to find my place and balance in the blogging world these words could not have come at a better time. Every word and every line holds true to my heart as of lately. I find myself doubting myself often thinking my blog, my post, my home will never be as good as what as I see in the blogs I follow. This post has inspired me to not compare myself to what I see rather learn and grow from it. Because at the end of the day I create because it’s what I love to do not because I can blog about it and show it off. In hopes that another person will love it.
    So thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
    Your new follower. :)

  35. Thank you for such an honest post!!! I sometimes feel like a fraud, only showing my best self on my blog…but I also try to be honest and real. It’s easy for people on the other side of the screen to think someone else’s life is better.

    You have a sweet and pure heart, and it shows through here!!
    xo. Cassie

  36. Traci,

    Your list of what you want to create on your blog are the exact reasons I come visit your blog! I have a long list of blogs and some days I don’t get to view them all but you know what? Yours is one of the very few I will make sure to view daily!!! I am enjoying seeing the progress on your kitchen….it is looking good!! Oh and that bathroom? Can’t wait to see that unfold too! Keep up the good work!!

    1. I have to agree with Kristal. You always have a message that is totally a mom of boys! (I can relate!)
      You are sweet to remind us why you do blog. BTW, I now make sure that I check my blogs that I follow before ordering something, just in case it is being sponsored by one of them. Thank you for letting us know and hopefully we can help you make extra $’s.
      Thank you for all the time that you do take to inform, teach and inspire!

  37. Traci,
    I have followed your blog for a few years now and love watching each and every project come together. You are an inspiration, I do not envy you or look at your home or projects with discouragement, rather I look at them for inspiration and ideas for my own home. Each of us can do a little here and there to improve what we have, you help me to find my creativity and add it in touches here and there. Our current house is a rental. My sister in law and I came out to look at it, a lttle over 5 years ago, I fell in love with the house. It was in need of paint and repairs, but it had good bones, and it was big! 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, big kitchen and living room, and a full basment. My husband didn’t like the location, he thought it was too far out in country. I told him that I prayed to GOD that if this is the house for us, then he will lay it on my husbands heart. My husband came and looked at the house and something change, he felt GOD tell him that this was the place for us. The house sat empty for 4 months, the rent was cheap but the deposit was high. Luckly for us move in time came at the perfect time, when we got our income taxes back. We have been here for almost 6 years, and at times I want to buy my own home, but with the economy the way it is I am scared. This has become our home, and I remember to thank God for what he gave me. I can’t replace the cabinets or linelonium (?) but I can paint and decorate like I want, and I can feel safe and secure knowing I can afford to only work weekends and be a stay at home mommy throughout the week.

  38. Very nicely put!

    As for the husband thing, my bf does not get hands on with my projects, but I’m quite happy that he’s right there with me at the auctions, grabbing things that I don’t notice, digging through boxes, and packing it all up so that I can haul it home.

    I just wish sometimes he’d notice the final project as much as the mess that I create while making it. :)

  39. Traci,
    I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the creativity God has given you. I sometimes struggle with wondering if it selfish to like my home to look a certain way and to work on that in my “spare time” when I have Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted for loving Jesus. Brothers and sisters that don’t even have a home nor a bed to sleep in. Lately God has shown me this is how he made me and where he wants me right now; a creative individual who wants to create beauty for my family and a loving space to live in, this is the season I am in now. So I will continue to use my God given creativeness to de-stress and allow God to direct me in remembering and supporting those who need the things God has given me. When we are in God’s will for our lives fruit will be produced and it is obvious your tree is full of fruit. He has given you a heart for others and that is evident in your loving words to all of “us”. It is very encouraging to read something from another Christian mom and wife and that is why I visit you blog daily and will continue!

    God bless,
    Autumn

  40. You can get an AMEN! I whole-heartily, agree! I think that it is all to easy to look and see all the beautiful homes…and think…ahhh look at that everything is already done! Nice and neat and finished and lovely. But then I think –I would be happy and enjoy it all being done…but then I would start inching to change something again! I have gotten to a point in my life where I can say I feel completely blessed…I am able to create a warm, loving, caring, creative home for my family and friends to enjoy…mostly by the touch of my own hands (and hubbys). I think that the older I get (pushin 40 here…) the more I look at things as stuff…and unless it brings me or my family complete joy…it is just stuff and it is not needed. Took me a long time to figure that out.
    I love you blog…it is a place where I feel like I could walk in the door…sit at the kitchen table…chat over coffee and muffin and discuss how much a great window or pantry just makes a room. And ya know, it is my belief that in that room…the kitchen, where you find Jesus present the most. ..where He finds families and friends connecting, loving, laughing, and sharing. It is where I feel the most joy :)

  41. Traci~ Thank you for always being so honest and genuine. I enjoy reading your posts. You are very gifted and talented in what you do and write. I always feel inspired when I read all the blogs I read (yours being one of my favs!). It makes me want to strive to be better and to use my time more wisely. I’d love to be able to sit and watch tv and eat bon-bons all day but reading these blogs gets me excited to make my home more beautiful.

    Thank you for being my inspiration!
    God Bless You,
    Linda

  42. You know that feeling when you’re sitting in church and you think, “Wow, this message was meant just for ME!” that is what this post was for me today. You spoke so directly to my heart. Very humbling. Isn’t God awesome? He has spoken through you to so many by use of a “simple” blog. Amazing! I’ve only been following for a few months after googling painted mirrors and coming across the one in your guest house. All of the project on your blog are truly inspiring, but you know what? I’ve been more impacted by your header line, “Striving to create beauty in my heart and in my home” than anything else! I find myself often thinking about that line and I have truly strived over the past few months to spend more time in the word and lettin God create beauty within me. I think I’m a nicer wife, mommy and person because of it! I pray that Gid continues to use you and your ministry (because that’s really what it is!) to touch the lives of many to make an impact for Christ!

  43. I posted this comment for you on FB, but thought I’d share it here too.

    Your blog makes me feel inspired and creative! I follow your blog daily, along with a few others and what I love most after reading your posts, is that feeling that I CAN DO! I love the ideas, even if the project isn’t exactly a fit for my family, it’s the idea and the inspiration behind your ideas that get that encourages me and gets the wheels turning for projects I can do for my family! You have a beautiful heart and a beautiful home and it has inspired me to have both for myself and my family! :)

  44. Well, bless your pea pickin’ heart. :) Thank you for being honest. I love that most of the stuff you do isn’t high $, but very doable for the average jane. I love that your heart for God isn’t hidden for fear of offending the masses. You have inspired me. The first DIY home project I tried was to paint a light fixture like you did in your laundry room. So thank you. I am now on my way to try more things with a little bit of confidence under my belt. (I love that you didn’t edit your boy’s comment to Layla and your rebuff from you video.) Have a blessed day.

  45. That was so well said! I felt the frustration, discontentment, etc. for so long and was never satisfied with our house. That was the main reason that I started my blog! I am not as creative as your or the other amazing bloggers out there, but I can still be inspired by you and try ideas for myself :-))

  46. Traci, Thank you for your amazing blog! I so appreciate your honesty and your love for who you are and what you do. If anything, you inspire me to be a DIY girl and I love that. Thank you for some amazing ideas and for the words of encouragement you give daily! You are a blessing to all who read your blog and I am sure even more to those who you are friends and family to. Thanks for the blog and look forward to reading it for many years to come!

  47. I just love your “Transparency”… You are REAL!!! I love what you do with your house and your amazing talent with those “power tools”!!!! lol…. I may not be able to do all the things that I see you doing at your house, but I sure am enjoying checking in at “Beneath My Heart”!!! Oh… but I sure do keep note of how you do some of the projects so that in the future …. well…. let’s just say I might copy cat you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Thank you Traci…. It’s always a joy to check in with you… and I mean it!!!! Terri

  48. Traci, I dropped everything when I received this email update to reassure you that your blog is a blessing and that your authenticity shines through every time.

    I prayed for you this morning as I hiked with our puppy through the woods. You are achieving the life I aimed for as a young mother and avoiding so many of the mistakes I made ( being discontented with my house, husband, etc.) Although I am the age of your Mom, my kids are grown, and my home is new, I am inspired by many of your projects and your accomplishments give me great joy.

    God has granted me so many blessings. We have a new home on 20 wooded acres and I have hiking trails where I can pray aloud as I hike every day, thanking HIM for all the blessings in my life…and you are high on that list.

  49. Wonderfully written. Your heart is so precious that you felt led to share this today and you didn’t shy away from it, this message was salve to many souls, including mine. I could write a novel here but I will be quick and to the point…AMEN! It’s good to know I’m not the only mommy who “raises” her voice and has laundry up to her eyeballs. =)

  50. Traci, what a sweet heartfelt post! I love this and feel exactly the same way. No one is going to be very jealous of my life at the moment, but I sure do want to share creativity and authenticity even in the bad things that happen. I love how your sweet heart comes through in your blog and I’m so blessed to call you my friend. I have shared my heart as well & those are the posts that get the most comments. xoxo

  51. Traci – you are beautiful inside and out and so very sweet. I am thankful that God used you to bless me (and so many others) today. I am sending you a big hug.

  52. You were reading my mind. I love visiting your blog but I often found myself having conflicting feelings while visiting. Sometimes it was ‘what a terrific idea’ and sometimes it was ‘isn’t she ever satisfied with anything? and certainly not my place to judge. But today I truly appreciated reading your post and it has left me with many thoughts of reconciliation. Thank you!

  53. And all of those POSITIVE things you want to reflect through your blog DO REFLECT.

    And all the NEGATIVE things you don’t want to reflect DON’T REFLECT.

    You’re the real deal, girlfriend.

  54. Thank you for your blog. I appreciate your comments today as I sometimes find myself having some of those same discontented/frustrated feelings. Appreciate your genuineness.

  55. Bless your heart, Traci! I know you’re for real because I see you at the grocery store with a grocery cart full of groceries taking home to put on your sons’ dressers because you don’t have a pantry….yet! I’m glad I found your blog, glad I met you in person ( at Lowes), glad we are neighbors, friends, and sisters in Christ! Gail

  56. Traci,

    I read your updates/postings each day and it brings a smile to my face but I usually just go on about my business after reading. Today is different…..today I have to tell you how much you brought a smile to my face…..I really enjoyed your thoughts tonight! I appreciate your honesty and reminding me that nobody is perfect, including myself! My house is far from a masterpiece but I’m thankful for what I have and I just continue to work on it as I can. Time & money…..you know the drill! It’s all about keeping it in perspective ladies! xoxo

  57. Tracy,
    Your blog is wonderful. i think you are very real and an encouragement. I know I am not as handy with the power tools as you are but am inspired by all the things you do. Thank you for sharing this blog and post. It is not easy to humble ourselves and bare our souls to the public.

    Ruth

  58. I look forward to your posts. Your posts and writings give me hope and inspiration. :) I thought it was absolutely AWESOME that you showed on video that “dinner” was Applejacks and other cold cereals. . I proceeded to eat a bowl of rice chex in celebration of dinner simplicity. Your blog is a two-way blessing. :) All of us and of course YOU!
    Keep on keepin’ on!

  59. I loved every word of this post {oh, and I love you too!}.
    When I read your blog, you point me to the Lord, remind me to get messy and try something new, and encourage me.

    BIG hug.
    – {dar}

  60. I needed your post today, esp. after a most trying day at work.I copied the quote by your mama about “counting your blessimgs & naming them one by one,” because I needed to be reminded of that.I won’t let negative circumstances control my life. Jesus is my focus & is in control & I will remember that….. My husband has a disability, but I love our home & feel blessed to have what we do. I can do some DIY & we also hire out.I thank the Lord for all His provision.May God bless you & keep you. It’s fun watching your kitchen transform!!

  61. Traci, Thank you so much for being so honest and for posting your touching words today. I really needed it. Honestly, I have often wondered how you do it. I have four young children, you have four young children… I’m trying to work at home, be involved at their school, be a good wife, mother, daughter and sister, friend, and so on… but I feel like I am always running out of time and steam. My house looks like a train wreck. It needs updating, repairing, new furniture, the list goes on. Oh how, oh how does Traci do it? and keep that smile on her face?! So, thank you for being so honest. I often wonder if I’m the only mom that yells at her kids when they are running in circles and going nowhere fast! I try not to be a control freak, and try to loosen the standards and enjoy them and count those blessings. Thanks for opening up and letting us see the real you. The sister in Christ that we all appreciate and look forward to reading her blogs. Not just for the amazing ideas, but also for the inspiration and bright, cheery smile. I hope when you’re feeling like its getting crazy (or way beyond that point) – you can remember that you are that light to many and there is a bigger reason for you to be spreading the “joy.” God Bless You and your family!

  62. What a special person you are and I don’t really even know you! I love how honest you are & I love your blog :) I don’t get any of those nasty feelings you mentioned b/c you come across as a REAL person! Like, NORMAL! Well, my kind of normal :) Don’t change a thing!!!!! :)

  63. What a wonderful post, it’s women like you among others that inspires me to be the best I can be even though I am going through a lot right now with my personal life.

    Thanks!

  64. Traci

    The very first time I visited your blog, I immediately knew I had found “A place where you see and feel the love of Jesus.” I found that in our online friendship and have been blessed by you and your sweet comments and emails.

    Love you bunches!

    Marilyn C.

  65. Here’s your AMEN! This post couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I pray dailey that I can be productive and organized but some days I just can’t get it together. Today was one of those days. I have Bunco at my house next week and instead of looking forward to enjoying fun and fellowship I am stressing over getting my house “perfect” as if a family of 5 actually lives in a spotless house! Not to mention the fact that I must come up with an “amazing” meal! Thank you so much for helping me see that our homes are for living in!

  66. Hi,

    I rarely comment on your posts, but please know that you are in my top three blogs that I feel I must read every day. I certainly enjoy the before and after projects that you do, because they are always wonderful, but I mainly come to hear your voice. Your heart comes through so clearly in your posts…your love of your family, your struggles, your joys. You are beyond a blessing to me. Thank you for everything that you do.

  67. Thank you Traci for your beautiful word. I struggle with comparison but as I am in the word I am drawn back to His truth. I am creating in HIS image, I am fearfully and wonderfully made!!

  68. Traci, I subscribe to your blog because it does inspire me. I always love to see what creative idea you have come up with next. Thank you for sharing your great ideas and also being a woman who loves the Lord.
    PS. I don’t subscribe to many blogs but I am always excited when I see your new posts in my inbox.

  69. Traci.
    Sweet girl, you do nothing but inspire and point all of us to Christ as provider, comforter, creator, inspiration, lover of our souls etc….. I always do appreciate your humble heart, and your goofiness. There are times that I wish you were my neighbor to have coffee with, to hammer, sew and paint with. And then I remember you are my neighbor, your blog does that for all of us, it makes us feel as if you are right next door where we can share all that life has to offer, good, bad and ugly. Bless you for being our friend sweet girl. We love you.
    Susi

  70. Traci,
    I love you and your blog even more after reading this post. Love your honesty, your inspiration, your desire to honor God and your sunny outlook that shines through. Thank you for being tender-hearted and REAL.
    Becky

  71. Thank you so much for that post! I really love reading your blog because you capture not just the DIY/decorating fun stuff, but you also blog about reality!!! thanks for all you have to say!

  72. tracy,
    thank you for this post. i have gotten frustrated with myself and my home when i wanted to create but there were more pressing matters at hand. lately, i have been able to get back into projects & being creative and i am seeing how God is blessing that…in ways i couldn’t have imagined. patience & timing is the key!
    judi

  73. Thanks for such an encouraging post. I have only just discovered your blog and have thoroughly enjoyed looking round and have also been so inspired by alot of what you write and do. Bless you.

  74. Nothing I can say hasn’t already been said (well) by someone else but I just wanted to tell you to add my name to the list of people who love your blog. I think you are a beautiful witness for Him! Thank you!

  75. Traci, Thank you for sharing your heart. I started following your blog after I read your lovely posts about your mom. I lost my amazing mother last year and could so relate to all that you wrote. I feel like this post was written specifically for me today (it’s always amazing how the Lord sends me exactly what I need at the perfect moment)! I live in a lovely home that probably many would envy, but I still occasionally fall into frustration and discontent because of projects that are not done or not as nice as someone else’s. I also am blessed with a husband that can do anything I dream up around the house. Your comment about using guilt to get him to do something really hit home. Thank you for your transparency and for the kick in the rear I needed today to count my blessings instead of my undone projects. I am also going to thank my hubby tonight instead of whining about all that we need to do. May God bless as you continue to share your life with us!

  76. Traci,

    I couldn’t stop thinking about this post last week, I felt a tug on my heart to follow suit (sp?) I am publishing a post tomorrow (Tuesday) to keep the message going. My hope is that someone will be inspired to do the same after reading my blog.

    Sharon @ mrshinesclass

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *