Written from the heart...from my path

Today I embark on some new endeavors.  I am reminded today why I do what I do...sometimes the one who smiles the largest and inspires needs a swift kick in the shorts and I am beyond blessed with those around me.:

Like this email from a dear friend:

Ah, Tracy......this made me think of you!  There is a scripture "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Phil. 4:13  It's one I taught my kids and reminded them that sometimes things are hard but if we do our best we can ask God for his help and He clearly says he'll help us. I just wanted to remind you just "WHO" made you!  :-)  And He made you pretty awesome and He's using you to help a lot of people in so many different ways. I hope you don't mind me sending this!  Hugs!  Andy 

By Victoria Olsteen - You are God's own masterpiece! That means you are not ordinary or average; you are a one-of-a-kind original. When God created you, He went to great lengths to make you exactly the way He wanted you to be. You are His ultimate work of art.

Think for a moment about an artist creating a beautiful painting. That artist envisions what he is going to create and sees it in his mind long before he ever sees it on the canvas. As he paints, he carefully places each individual brushstroke with the understanding of how it fits in to the entire painting. There might be times when other people see his "work in progress," and they can't quite tell what it's going to be. But the artist always knows exactly what he is creating. And then, when his masterpiece is complete, the artist is so proud of his work! He admires his beautiful creation knowing that he has carefully poured himself into every detail. The artist loves it because he created it with his own hands, exactly the way he planned.

I want to remind you today that the greatest Artist of all time created you. He dreamed about you long before you were born, before a single brushstroke of your life took place. You may have days when you can't quite tell what He's creating on the canvas of your destiny. You may not always understand His "work in progress," but He knows what He's doing, and He has your best interest in mind. He is pouring Himself into you, lovingly shaping every part of your life into an amazing masterpiece. It's time to see yourself as the valuable creation He lovingly designed.

I am ever so thankful for the miles walked, the friends who remind me just why I walk my own path and my fellow Artists of the world who inspire me right back.  YES.......to the person who asked if I am that positive ALL the time in a sneering way.  Why not be?  The alternative is just not for me.  But occastionally I am reminded to "Tuck my crazy in" (LOL love that term) and that I need to be ever mindful of who I am, what I believe in and stay on MY path.  I read this yesterday:

I listened to someone yesterday who said she did not know her purpose (outside of her kids who are growing older) and I remember that.  I know right now my purpose is my kids but beyond that is so much more purpose!  It takes time....maybe it is not a painting that sells but the inspiration it gives to another to just try something new.  

I had an awesome online class yesterday (and LOVED IT)....and someone said she appreciated I was real and entertained.  It's that simple.  Life is not always easy (sometimes harder then easy).  

Today I sign the contract on my NEW and IMPROVED website.  Today I am reminded and focused on MY path.  May it inspire a few others to find theirs....

"For a more grounded life, choose not to get caught up in the fast-paced world around you:  Live simply and live deliberately.  Stay in touch with yourself.  Support or teach others as often as you can. Consciously choose what you will allow into your being. Acknowledge the beauty that resides around you. Embrace the challenges that life presents to you, and challenge yourself often.  Move your body. Make time for stillness, silence, and solitude. "

 

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Comments

[Andy]

This makes me happy! Hugs!!!!

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

Me too!

[Lisa Mita]

You always now how much you have directed my path as an artist… I am so happy for you.

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

and I so admire you as an Artist Lisa!

[Sharon d. Estes]

Tracy you can may people smile and happy even when you are off balance. This was just an awesome piece. Hugs to you and your family, I know you are going to be the most happy person and get just what you want as you age, and your children age and move on..you inspire me in a lot of ways. Sharon Estes.

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

♥ you Sharon!

[Mary Friederichsen]

What beautiful letters Tracy! I wish I could write that eloquently! I mean, sometimes I can barely speak what I want to say let alone write! Someone told me once that "God Doesn't make mistakes in what or who he creates!" So don't ever doubt yourself. The hard part is having the patience while our lives or purposes are "under construction"!
If only we all lived our lives trying to bring Joy to each other's Souls! I believe that is what you are doing and do so by choice. Just remember that sometimes the one who gives so much Joy to those around them once in awhile needs to receive Joy and be lifted up in return. And really that's what being a friend is, right? So don't get down on yourself when you feel off balance, or needing to be lifted up! Just come on down off the Country Mountain and share a glass of wine with me! :D ( I have some good stuff in that wine closet!!tehe) Sending Love and Hugs!

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

Love you Mary! Your wise words always soothe me and I will be taking you up on that! ♥

[Pamela]

Wow Tracy - so inspiring. Thank you for inspiring me to try. Always love your work and shows.

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

Pam, your words mean a lot to me especially on a day I debated being so open. Feels good to read things like this

[Yvonne Gebauer]

Tracy, thanks so much for sharing this. Andy....amazing words you shared with Tracy and sooooo true! This post reminded me of my Dad who had a deep faith and his favorite passages were from Psalms 139 where it talks about God forming your innermost being. We tend to get so caught up in the avenue of creating and sometimes loose sight of why we do or how we even came to explore this art form. It's no mistake.....we're doing just what we're suppose to be doing. We sometimes stray off course and ignore the subtle tugs to bring us back on course. So, thank you Tracy for once again sharing and giving me yet another uh ah moment. Luv ya girl!

[sandeeNC]

Tuck in your crazy..love it!

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

My friend tells me that when I just want to lose my top. LOL Such a great reminder.

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

Luv ya right back and thanks for sharing. Hard to feel bummed when I am blessed in so many areas of my life. So I have to focus on those. ♥ Everything has a way of working out.

[MEKOfoSHO]

<3 this!!

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

Thank you so much Tamiko! ♥ Always glad I share

[Dawn Moore]

I just love you Tracy! Rock on girlfriend! What a touching post.

[Tracy Weinzapfel]

♥ Thank you Dawn!