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Friday, March 13, 2015

It's Finally Here!

Raleigh, N.C. -- (I start all my journal entries with the name of the city we're in that day, so I thought I'd do the same thing on the blog!)

I can't believe the day has finally come.  I've been dreaming up this blog for almost 5 years.  Thanks to the gentle encouragement of my husband, mom, sister-in-law, and Jesus, I finally worked up the courage to take the first step.  A divine connection with the lovely Danielle sparked me to ask her if she could design this space, and hasn't she just knocked it out of the PARK?  (All the heart eye emojis!)

I struggled with what to call the blog for months.  My sis-in-law Joy is one of the most creative people I know.  She can cook, bake, sew, craft, paint, or create anything I send her from Pinterest without breaking a sweat.  On top of all that, she is an incredible photographer (all of our family photos for all time have been from her camera).  After some sweet talks with Joy about how we want to live our lives and serve the Lord, the name Honeycomb was born.  Proverbs 16:24 says, "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  What a precious reminder to guard my tongue.  I'm a quarter Italian, so I feel things REALLY deeply.  (Did you ever see that gelato commercial with the subtitles where the two Italians are fighting loudly until one of them sees the gelato in the grocery bag, and then they start being lovey towards each other...and then it ends with them yelling and throwing things again?  For your viewing pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZUMYU-Ghb0 -- I feel like that woman.)  I wear my heart on my sleeve.  It is somewhat of a joke in our family that you always know what I'm thinking/feeling.  For better or worse.

But I don't want to be a mom who yells.  Or a wife who nags.  Or a friend who is easily offended.  Or a boss who doesn't offer grace.  I want the word Honeycomb to be a constant reminder to me to guard my tongue and to let my words be loving, gentle, gracious, kind.  To exemplify the fruit of the spirit to everyone I meet.  It's hard, but it's important.

Ok, on to the fun stuff.

My name is Francesca.  I sing and write songs and tour for a living.




My studly hubby is Matt, 




and we have two kids, Eli (4.5),  




and Audrey (2.5). 




We live in Nashville, TN with our kitty who has no name. 




(She's a rescue we got before Christmas.  Her given name is Kit-Kat, but we have been known to call her Risotto, Charlie, Lola, Kitty, and "stop scratching the headboard, cat!" at all hours of the day or night.)

We love Jesus, and we feel called to make His name famous by writing and sharing music that honors and glorifies him.  My husband not only manages our ministry, but he is also a graphic designer (he designed my last two album covers), drummer, and producer, so basically he never sleeps.  :)  Our kids travel with us, and we've had some pretty amazing adventures in the past few years.  We feel very grateful to call each other family and to get to spend so much time together.

There is so much I am passionate about that I can't wait to share with you all in this space.  I hope we can become friends and develop a special community of like-minded people who can learn and grow together!  Here's to a new adventure!

- Francesca


96 comments:

  1. Your blog is as sweet as honey!!

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  2. Love your blog name and the meaning behind it. Scripture is always so enriching and wise...guiding us into places we need to be. Italian...my hubby is 100% 2nd generation Italian-American. All four grandparents passed through Ellis Island, and although in some ways he doesn't have some of the old Italian ways ingrained in him (they wanted to become Americans, so although his family did observe some Italian family traditions, they also focused on blending in and adapting), there is no doubt he has that passionate, heart on his sleeve Italian character (which I LOVE). I am not Italian, other than by marriage, but I feel like I should be...I embrace all things Italian with fervor! Be blessed...I love your music and your voice! Thank you for sharing your world with us all!

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  3. Love the name of your blog and the meaning behind it!! Your music is awesome as well! Looking forward to reading more posts!!

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  4. This may be the best idea EVER! Love your music, I'm glad you're sharing life on here with us! :-)

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  5. I love your blog and your music is awesome, God speaks through your music. Keep it up

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  6. That was beautiful!! I cant wait to read more! Thanks for sharing! <3

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    1. I got inspired by your blog that I started my own! Will you read it please! www.Malinakathleen.blogspot.com

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  7. Very lovely first blog post :) Love the name!

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  8. Yay!! I have been a fan for years and always felt connected to you! this blog shows me even more that we r connected ! Not only cuz we are both in nc right now :) not only cuz of our love from Jesus but also cuz we are both mommies and both feeeeel everything so strongly. I'm not Italian so heritage isn't the only excuse :) ... blessings on this new blessing ! I look forward to following ...your songs have been a great gift to us and I know the blog will be the same

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  9. Welcome to the blogosphere! I look forward to getting to know you in this space.

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  10. Welcome to the blogger world!! I think you listed things we all want to achieve in our lives. It will be great to hear from like minded people (you) and commenters and get to know each other better!

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  11. Can't wait to see what is to come. Blessings

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  12. Wanted to pass along our story and the impact your music has made.
    I've loved your music for years now and when I found out you were going to be at Hickory Grove Baptist in Charlotte (year ago Dec) I knew I wanted to take the family. My family didn't know who they were going to see even though I told them. They simply didn't know who you were. THEY DO NOW!!!
    Fast forward year later - my kids are always singing "Mommy lost her keys....in the great unknown!" πŸ˜„
    My girls are now 10 1/2 & 9.
    Your concert was the first that all 5 of us attended. (son 17 now)
    My wife has since bought 3 of your cds and just loves your music as well!
    Like too many people these days we have recently had to deal with the 'C' word. In Nov. Penny (wife) was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. We have since had her thyroid removed and she's been on the mend. When in the hospital again recently she was very nervous, understandably, and asked me to play some Francesca on my phone to help her relax.
    Again thank you so very much for the wonderful music you continue to produce!
    Love from The Mills Family

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    1. WOW. Thank you so much for sharing. Just love your joy, and I will be praying for Penny!!!!!

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  13. Welcome to blogging! We are such big fans of yours. We really enjoyed your Christmas concert in Houston this year and my daughter (10 years old who has complex medical needs, here's s bit about her: https://ourlifewithk.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/life-with-mito/) was SO hoping we'd get picked to meet you after the show...she prayed her little heart out through the concert! She still has plans of somehow becoming your penpal one of these days! :) - Kyla

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    1. Oh my goodness! What a sweetie! Did I not come out at that show? I'm trying to remember. I would love to send her a note. Shoot me an email with your address! xo

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    2. I tried to send you an email to the one listed here on the blog, but it bounced back. Is there a different one? Thanks! :)

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  14. Welcome to the blogging world! It can be time-consuming, but it is so fun to exercise your creative muscles and it is so cool to see how far a blog can reach. I look forward to your future updates!
    Katie Forsyth, themodestheart.blogspot.com

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    1. So true! Thanks for the welcome! Lovely blog you have!

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  15. I've seen you in concert and emailed you in hopes of a reply many many times. You're so incredibly inspiring and your music has brought me through the worst of times, and your voice was one of the firsts I heard in Christian music when I was saved just two short years ago. I truly hope to one day meet you and have a conversation with you!

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    1. Aww, I try to reply to every email that's sent my way! What address have you been sending to?

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  16. Francesca I want to thank you for loving Jesus~writing beautiful songs and for influencing my beautiful 11 year old with your music .... Blessings to you all as you serve and honor Him!!

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  17. Love the blog name and the meaning behind it! You are such an inspiration to me through your music, so I would like to thank you for that. Can't wait for more blog post. I am coming to your concert on Friday in Indianapolis and I can't wait to see you preform! :):):)

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  18. We worshiped at winter jam last month and were so blessed by your humble spirit.:) Welcome to blog land :)

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  19. Love it!!!! You are on my bucket list of Christian artists I want to see in concert...continued blessings

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    1. Haha, so fun! Maybe it will happen soon! xo (PS love your name!:)

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  20. I'm so excited for you to have a blog! I have considered pursuing music and being a Christian artist {I'm fifteen}, and reading just this post has been an inspiration for me. You have a loving husband and adorable kids, but you still tour and sing and worship God through it. You display a really neat balance of family and music industry. I'm glad you can do what you love! :)

    I'll look forward to reading more about your day to day life, and all the "behind the scenes" aspects of being a mom in the Christian music industry. Blessings! Alyssa <3 { pearlsandpenmanship.blogspot.com }

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    1. Girl, you are such a lovely writer! Just spent a minute on your blog. Not getting the roles you wish for is always hard. Keep making Jesus the main thing, and He will take you where He wants you to go. Don't give up! xo

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    2. Thank you! That means so much :)

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  21. I absolutely love the meaning behind honeycomb, I've been praying hard for a few months on this same topic! I want my words to be loving and encouraging to all. Can't wait to read more and welcome to the blogging world!

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  22. Thank you for sharing your love of Jesus, music, passion, and heart with everyone! Your inspired songs are such a blessing in my life.

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  23. This is wonderful! I love your music and can't wait to read about all your adventures!!

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  24. Love this! Can't wait to hear more from you, Francesca! Your music has touched my life from the very beginning! God Bless you & your beautiful family!

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  25. I am so excited for this blog! I am a big fan of your music. I love how the lyrics feel like they are words spoken by a friend. Looking forward to reading more about you. Thank you for your music!!! It's helped me a lot!

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  26. So excited to read your blog, Francesca! I've loved your music for a couple years now, and I can't wait to learn more about you and your family!
    Blessings,
    Emma xxx

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  27. Franny,
    I will never ever forget meeting you on your Christmas tour (Sat., 12-20-14)!! I wrote you a letter and you replied the exact same night. Sound weird? I think you might remember me if you look at these comments and read the letter again. I really hope we could become friends.
    All my love,
    Miss Christina Lorraine Reynolds
    http://katebattistelli.com/food/main-dishes/moist-and-meaty-meatloaf/

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    1. OH yes! So fun for you to find me here. I hope you are doing well, girl! I just finished a show, and looking at my mom's blog, now all I want is meatloaf. So hungry, haha! :) Blessings!

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    2. I love how you did it the "OH". It reminds me of: "OH! I'm an empty page, I'm an open book. Write Your story on my heart." :D! Just got off you recent blog post. We're having hamburgers for dinner tonight. You in your last blog post you said that after a picture was taken you "guys" went to 5 'Guys" for dinner. Funny, I got you hungry for meatloaf and you got me hungry for hamburgers! http://writeyourstory-onmyheart.blogspot.com/2015/03/tallulahs-family_19.html

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  28. Love everything about you. Saw you at WJ 2014 in Tacoma. I was first row on the floor on right of the stage

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  29. Yayyyy!! I'm so excited about your blog! I will probably be one of the most faithful readers you'll have! I absolutely love blogging and reading my faves' blogs! Thank you for sharing with us the Story that God is writing in your heart! :) I've always loved your music and this is a great opportunity to know more about you and your beautiful-precious heart! I saw you at Winter Jam in January, it was my first time there and I ended up lovinv your ministry even more. You're amazing Live and Reflect such a peace in your smile and words! :) I'm happy you're blogging noww yayy! I also have a blog I started in January on my birthday. I had one before but it was in Spanish, and I wanted to be bold and started one in English...I'm on my way to get better and better in writing in English! I know I'll learn a lot from yours! "Honeycomb" that's so cute! I also love music so much and would love to serve God with it! You're a great role model for me! I really Hope I can meet you soon! God bless u girlie!! :)

    Monny! ;)
    www.bravestarblog.wordpress.com

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    1. What a lovely blog! Thanks for sharing it with me!! Moriah is a sweetheart! :)

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  30. Hi Franny(: I am 14 and just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you. I have been having lots of anxiety lately, and your music has helped me so much. You are such an amazing, Godly role model and I hope to be as amazing as you are someday<3 I will be reading literally every post. Love you so much! <3
    Katie

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  31. so so excited to read your blog!! :D I have loved your music since forever :) blogging is so much fun, glad you got started ;) and yesss your space is amazing. love the title too! Eli and Audrey are soo cute

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  32. It makes me so proud that you are commiting to something that seems so treacherous, but I guess that's where all the faith comes in right. :)
    There is a huge smile stretched across my face; to cheek to cheek, knowing that you are going to choose to love, choose to be brave thought your hearts afraid. If your stepping out and being real with your fans; then I guess I should step in and be real with you. I cant wait to see how honest you will get though these blog's . I cant wait for the adventure in your blogs, where I will get to laugh and smile, which will make me feel I am have a great converstion with someone I know I can truly get along with and connect with. Well that's what I am hoping for. Have a wonderful day, Lovely. :)

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    1. your comment feels like a high five! love it, thanks! :)

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    2. You so Welcome! :)
      ( My face has giant smile, just as big as yours when ever you feel so touched.)

      Have a beautiful rest of your day, my sunshine.
      - Julia Knutson

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  33. Wow. What an inspiration. I have recently started a blog of my own for an English class I'm taking. I was so worried when I found out I had to start blogging. I wanted to be able to write things that are interesting and may inspire people. Just like you do. I was also worried because I knew I hated to read and didn't want to read other peers blogs and have to make comments. I was overjoyed to find out how much fun it was to express myself in great detail and actually keep people entertained. Being able to share my own experiences with others was a great feeling. I was also glad that I became so interested in reading others blogs. It was so much fun to be able to learn more about others and get great ideas from them as well. You are such an inspiration and so is your blog. You have made such a great impact on my life. You are a wonderful role model for girls across the globe. I want to be able to worship God and praise Him just like you do. You are an amazing person and have truly inspired me to create a better relationship with our creator. Thanks for being such an inspiration. :)
    - Shelby Snyder

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  34. I love your album Write Your Story, the songs are so good, I kept listening to it over and over again,until I think I memorized all of the songs the day I got your album. Thank you so much for your Godly music, I hope it inspires everyone like it inspires me. Can't wait to meet you someday!
    -Maegan Dedloff, ( also known as) One of your big fans

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  35. I have been to one of your Christmas shows, I think in 2013. And I have been to one of the Rock the Island concerts last year when you played a little bit. I am serious when I say that when you were up on that stage, I wanted to run up there and give you a hug. : )

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  36. Fransecsa God bless you well I made this new song k-love want do it so glad you brought to every body love yall and your daughter and son is so cute

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  37. OMG Francesca I went your show March 1st OMG you was amazing you did a great job πŸ’•πŸ‘πŸ•

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  38. Your welcome hope you have a nice trip can you follow me on instergram hailey_bug90 and God bless you you are nice best singer God love you and all the people when you coming back NC love yallπŸ’•

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  39. Hi my name hailey love music but I got question that God is coming soon and that he loves s all his heart and got tell something we need be ready because when God comes we will be with our heavly father

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  40. My mama crystal said that you are the best song writer and she love that song angel by your side he knows my name write your story she writes song too

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  41. Once my mom and her friend sang When the Crazy Kicks In in front of my whole church. Why? Because our worship leader thought it would be so much fun. And it was. She totally relates to that song with 5 kids.She was so brave to do that because she says she is not a singer. So it is Peyton the oldest (13) Then me Maegan (11) then Emma (9) then Clare (8) and then the only boy Eli (6). Oh, and my sister Emma says " HI!! I LOVE YOU!" - Ha Ha : )

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  42. Hi! I love your music! My mom and I, before we really knew who you were, whenever Free to be Me would come on the radio we would sing our hearts out ( even though were not that good of singers). I am now excited that you have a blog. I am excited to read more of it. May I ask you a question? Who's the sing, Emily It's Love, dedicated to? I have always wondered. Thank you =)

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  43. After working on it for a while now, I finally got my blog up and made my first post! I hope you don't mind, I linked to your song "Choose to Love". It is one of my favorite songs, and I love the message behind it :)
    Here's a link if you'd like to take a look :) xoxo!
    Katie
    http://oddsandendsblog.weebly.com/

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  44. Hey Francesca my names Amanda and I want to say thankyou for your lovely music! I've always wanted to lead worship as a courier and be involved in ministry, your song Beautiful was the first song in front of a crowd as a preetener at my church since then I've performed in church apart of the youth band and got to perform in front of many singing about the Lord! I'm so inspired by the heart you have for Gods word. Also the realness of your songs ones like behind the scenes and others. Thankyou so much and one day I hope I can touch many with Gods word through music like you have!

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  45. I know I am a year late, but i just found this post and I LOVE IT!!!! My cats name is Lola and she looks exactly like your cat!!! I absolutely LOVE the blog name and the story/meaning behind it is beautiful!!!! I wish I could meet you in person and I just wanted you to know that I LOVE you voice and music! You are definitely making God proud! I also wanted you to know that -if you ever read this- that concert you did in Greenville SC on July 11, 2016 was beyond explanation!!!
    p.s. I'm the one who gave you that rolled up piece of paper.....the drawing inside was meant for you.... I hope you liked it!

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