Hello, reader friends. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. Between slogging through a strange school year followed by the summer of a lifetime, I’ve been an absentee website owner. Happily, I am back and aim to share with you more frequently.
As with last year, 2021 has brought a unique set of challenges. It also continues to reveal important insights to me. As life inches closer to normal (whatever that was), the demands of pre-pandemic life continue to creep back in.
It will take intentionality to avoid getting sucked back into the unhealthy imbalance I allowed to govern my life before Covid.
Searching for simplicity
Over the past several years, I’ve developed an intense longing for a simpler life. Less hustle, fewer possessions, clearer calendar—all things we must be purposeful about in order to have. Simplicity requires effort.
Too much to do, too much clutter, too much stress, and not enough peace. This toxic recipe took a toll on me and my family after years of chasing a false ideal. It’s unsatisfying and always demands more.
My mind and heart need an unrushed, unfussy life.
Sensing this desire, I took small steps towards the new life I longed for. It helped, but it wasn’t enough. That’s when the pandemic barged in, bringing normal life to a halt.
Silver linings and new insights
As awful and frightening as the pandemic has been, a beautiful by-product revealed itself. Suddenly, there was less on the calendar. Sure, it was stressful to parent and teach during such times, but life was definitely less hectic.
More time to reflect and reassess my priorities and practices was an unexpected blessing.
The uncertainty and ugliness of the past 18 months are now emerging in the rear-view mirror. We’re putting it behind us—slowly but surely. As it all stretches out behind me, I am processing it and want to share what I’m learning with you.
In the past 18 months, I’ve learned a lot about how to pursue a simpler life. This is an introduction to a series on Searching for Simplicity.

NOTE: I want to be your friend and guide on this journey, not your guru. I have not figured it all out. Not even close. God has been gracious with my rebellious heart. He’s patient and loving despite my wandering.
In the words of Paul:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
Clutter control
In this series, I’ll be talking about four kinds of clutter.
- Physical Clutter
- Calendar Clutter
- Emotional Clutter
- Spiritual Clutter
Which of the four is presently your most challenging?
My life was drowning in a mix of all four. Each has a unique way of robbing us of joy and peace. Gently, gradually, and sometimes at a painfully slow rate, I am working through the decluttering process. Please join me in the search for simplicity.
I’ll leave you with this scripture, which speaks to growing closer to God and living a more abundant, less cluttered life.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.” (John 14:6, ESV)
With Love and Gratitude,

Hi! I’m Tracy. I love Jesus, my family, Earl Grey Tea, and quiet mornings. Here at Earl Grey and Yellow, the focus is striving to be faithful and appreciate the small things. So glad you stopped by. Please have a look around and subscribe to our newsletter and social media to stay connected.
Thank you Tracy!
Have a Blessed week!
I struggle with emotional clutter…we have been overwhelmed with deaths in our family and
with close friends and because they are so many and so close, I feel like I am unable to mourn
them…I have still not completed the mourning process of my mom who died 2 years ago in
September. That being said, you realize that there are certainly priorities in life and I have
been able to declutter when it comes to stuff and overloading my calendar. Phil 3:12-14 is
such a perfect Word to get me thru – thank you for your amazing insight.
Oh my sweet friend, I am so sorry. I lost a dear friend last year to cancer and have not had the chance to gather collectively to mourn. I can’t imagine that feeling with a parent. Praying for you. You are always so encouraging to me. Thanks for reading.
I’m looking forward to reading this
series! Jill
Thank you. I need to sit myself down and create an editorial calendar. It’s a lot to unpack. I appreciate your readership and friendship.
Great message
Thanks! Love you.