BSSM Adventures: "Get Up!" He said.

BSSM Adventures: "Get Up!" He said.: Photo on the streets of New York City. Just imagine what this little boy is dreaming! Photo by Chris Tracy Do verses jump out at you so...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: September 19 - Good Changes

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: September 19 - Good Changes: You are getting some new perspective on the way you see your life. Changes are here and you will be able to see the good comin...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 29 - Quiet in Spirit

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 29 - Quiet in Spirit: Even on a busy workday, you are learning to be quiet in your spirit and mind and are beginning to hear more from your Father i...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 15 - Treasures

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 15 - Treasures: God is releasing both new treasures and old, forgotten treasures into your life right now. Proverbs 25:2 - It is the glory of God ...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 10 - B...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 10 - B...: Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 10 - Breakthrough Today! : There is breakthrough today in something you have been waiting a long...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 10 - Breakthrough Today!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 10 - Breakthrough Today!: There is breakthrough today in something you have been waiting a long time for. Just as a carrot is one of the last things to germin...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 7 - Job Well Done!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 7 - Job Well Done!: An award or diploma is headed your way for something you have worked hard for. You will be recognized. Colossians 3:23 - Wh...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 5 - Songs of Joy

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 5 - Songs of Joy: Step outside and listen. What do you hear? In the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, can you gear down and hear nature? The...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 3 - Supercharged Life

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: August 3 - Supercharged Life: Painting by Miss Mesa Our bodies are such a miracle. No matter our age, we are designed to heal. A doctor can set a bone, or pre...

The Boomer / Millennial Call to Coffee!

I have so many friends who are “millennials” - that section of our population born between approximately 1980 and 2000. We hear a lot of jokes about this high tech digital age group, but I am here to say they are special. Highly motivated; wise about money; healthy; ready to learn; eager to give and help; and just plain beautiful. Recently, I felt God's clear message to me to “Listen to the millennials." He said "You need each other!”

Indeed, they have so much to offer my part of this generation in the way of tech help; understanding communications in this era; and just plain brilliance when it comes to things like FaceBook, Instagram, You Tube, and web design. Most importantly, they have a sincere heart to change the world and I believe they will. Now, that said, what can we Boomers offer them? We can champion them with love, encouragement, prayer, and our life experience.

Let's have coffee!

Matthew 20:25-26 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. Those with power must learn to empower those around them or we will never build Heaven on the Earth.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 18 - Limitless Love

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 18 - Limitless Love: Do you know just how much God loves you? If you were the only person in the world, he couldn’t love you more. That love is in you fo...

Take a Shot of Joy!

My Mr. Lincoln rose is so fragrant. Isn’t it fun how nature gifts us with things that fill our senses with beauty, sounds, and smells? Even the antics of my puppy bring so much joy and out loud laughter. Today, something in nature is going to catch your eye and give you a shot of joy. 

Psalm 16:11 - You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 17 - God Loves the Internet!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 17 - God Loves the Internet!: Technology is a gift to the world. Don’t let fear let you think it is bad. Also know that you have all authority over h...

How To "Lighten Up!"

I love my husband. Whenever I get too serious, he knows just how to cheer me up with some goofy look or silly dance. We are meant to live in peace and joy. So I extend this “lighten up” spirit to you. Today - let’s rise above and be thankful for life, humor, and joy!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 16 - Enlarge the Important

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 16 - Enlarge the Important: Cropping is taking out of a photo the things that don ’ t add to the photo – bringing into focus and enlarging the parts of t...

Breaking Through to Destiny

Kris Vallotton teaches about "dogs of doom," saying “the dogs of doom stand and bark at the doors of your destiny.” 

Today, those dogs are barking loud as we’re packing up our home and getting ready to move to another state. We’re trying to ignore them. We WILL ignore them - because so much good lies in wait for us if we do. Our broken down truck, my injured rib, and the unknown are no match for the promises we have accessible to us in the great storehouses of Heaven.

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you,  declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 15 - Extreme Strength

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 15 - Extreme Strength: Some people are strong physically. Others’ strength is in their quiet nature. Some people think they are weak when they are vulnerab...

Listen to the Voice!

Today, close your eyes for a few minutes; listen to nature; feel the cool breeze in the shade; and let your mind be still and your imagination be aware. What is your Papa in Heaven saying to you today?

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 14 - Sing!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 14 - Sing!: Sing that song that is on your heart. Sing with abandon. Sing loud with joy. In the shower, in the car, with your kids, or fro...

You Are Good!!!!

We are not called to be perfect, or excellent, or anything really…other than to simply love. You may be far from perfect, but you ARE good. Don’t let feelings of imperfection - or a spirit of perfectionism - lie to your truth of your identity. You are a child of the most high God; made in His image; to love and to be loved. He calls you “friend.”

Genesis 1:31 - God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 13 - Intentional Health

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 13 - Intentional Health: Your health is a gift to you. Be sure to take care of you today! 3 John 1:2 - Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good ...

How Your Story Can Heal

I work a lot with aspiring writers. They're like I was when I started out. Loving the process; inspired by life; wanting to create in words; loving to hang out with other writers; voracious readers.

Each has a story. Most of their stories contain pain on levels that are hard to imagine. But somehow joy has entered their hearts; healing has overtaken their souls; and they know they need to tell their story. In the telling, they receive more healing. In the telling, they bring therapeutic hope to others.

Have you told your story yet?

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 12 - A Child Will Bless You

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 12 - A Child Will Bless You: Tadpole heaven. A child will bless your heart today in ways you cannot conceive or imagine. Watch for the deeper meaning in what...

Be a Kiss!

We are created so imaginatively. For example - when we think of what we love about someone and tell them, we ourselves feel good that we made someone else’s day. Recently a stranger approached me at the post office and gave me the nicest compliment about my “style.” It was like a shot of adrenaline, a kiss,  in a kind of dreary day. What a gift and a surprise. I want to give gifts like that to others in my days - even strangers - to be intentional and look for the gold in life and in people.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 11 - What is Beautiful to You?

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 11 - What is Beautiful to You?: Take that class, buy that piece of art, wear that new, colorful, shirt. Today is a day to celebrate your love for beauty and creativ...

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 10 - Exciting Times Coming!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 10 - Exciting Times Coming!: New friends and relationships are on the horizon. Oh, what an exciting time is coming soon! 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "Eye has not ...

Love. Period.

I have been having some physically painful and emotionally weak times lately - the kind that make you think of things you shouldn’t think about; and the kind that make you believe lies that consume your soul and make you feel unloved and unloving.

But the other morning, I imagined the arms of Jesus wrapped around me, speaking healing to my bones and truth that overcomes lies. The most important truth? It isn’t any of my business what people think of me or if they love me or not. What IS my business, is that I love them. I do have control over that and it's who I am created to be. This was so profound to me…and healing. When I love, I bless others and I bless myself, too.

1 Corinthians 13:13  - Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love - yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.

Photo Caption: Reunited cousins!

How to Discover the Goodness of God

Forty years ago today, July 8, 1978, I married Richard Lee Tracy in a small ceremony high on a hill in the Rocky Mountains. It’s hard to believe that the years have gone so fast. We are celebrating by making a big change in our lives. Though we don’t know how it will look - we're following God’s favor, open doors, and peace as we step into each day moving forward into this new adventure. Many of you are in this type of transition, too, and can I say I’m excited for you? One day you will look on this time and know more of the goodness of God than you ever knew before this. Bless you!

Psalm 100:5 - For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you. He's so loving that it will amaze you - so kind that it will astound you! And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all. Everyone knows our God can be trusted, for he keeps his promises to every generation.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 9 - A Gift of Knowing

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 9 - A Gift of Knowing: Today you are being given a gift of discernment. You will see and know the truth about a situation so you can make a wise decision. ...

New Adventures!

So - two questions for you, my reader. 1) What is coming to an end in your life? 2) What is starting? Know that God’s hand is in this. Take that step. Fear not. Trust and have faith especially in the unknown. The new can't come unless we let go of the old. Our lives are meant for adventure!

Daniel 11:32 - “… but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (KJV).

Painted Ladies and Papa God

Last year, the Painted Lady butterflies invaded Colorado’s Front Range. For at least 10 days, our garden was full of hundreds of these pretty creations who were enjoying the nectar of my flowers while we enjoyed the beauty of their being. The news reported on this phenomena. Everyone was talking about them. Even our pastor proclaimed it a sign of coming spiritual awakening in our state. For me - I simply delight today in the memory of nature’s invasion into my days. May nature give you a special blessing today!

Psalm 19:1 - God's splendor is a tale that is told; his testament is written in the stars. Space itself speaks his story every day through the marvels of the heavens. His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky, showing his skill in creation's craftsmanship. - The Passion Translation

Psalm 19:1 - God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning. Professor Night lectures each evening. (The Message)

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 6 - The Lord's Face

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 6 - The Lord's Face: I look at my pansies and their cute “faces” always cheer my spirit. There are “faces” in a lot of natural things, like clouds, rocks, and ot...

What is Your New Beginning?

I feel like God’s heart for you today is to be like a butterfly. Flutter, fly, partake of sweetness in life; and revel in new life and a new beginning. What would be your new beginning?

Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 5 - What is Your Oasis?

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 5 - What is Your Oasis?: Find your oasis. Is it a coffee shop? A backyard? By a stream? In a book? Atop a horse? Enter solace and peace and rest today! Dic...

It is For Freedom that Christ Has Set Us Free!

What does freedom mean to you? There are many types of prison - from literal bars to walls we build in our own souls to keep us safe, but which also keep us from taking risks. I want to be totally free in my heart and life and thinking.

Just as I am thankful for the many who fought and gave their lives for the physical freedoms we enjoy; I’m thankful for those who have spoken and rendered truth into my life that has set me free from the chains of shame, judgment, and self-imprisonment. Yay!

Galations 5:1 - Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free - not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past. (The Passion Translation)

My book, Tapestry, the Divine Design for Your Life, is now available if you click right here!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 4 - Step Into Freedom!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 4 - Step Into Freedom!: Today – step into new freedom. What is holding you back? Laugh at that! And let go of it. Step forward. Take a chance. Enter y...

Learning to Trust

When I left my puppy at PetSmart yesterday for a grooming, she cried out in anxiety. It tore my heart out. It reminded me of my own human kids years ago when they felt vulnerable and small and I had to leave them at daycare to go to work. In those days I was able to quit my job, start my own business, or change my schedule to help them sometimes. But somewhere along the line, through these experiences, the child (and puppy) learned to trust others.

It’s part of our life isn’t it? We cannot always be in control or have things the way we plan or desire. Sometimes we have to yield and hope for the best. Often we have to take risks and step into the unknown. Often we have to be at someone else's mercy. Hopefully that person is kind, compassionate, and understanding.

As a child, King David understood this. Alone in a field, pretty much abandoned by his family, he learned to trust an unseen Friend - enough to write songs with verses like "He sets the lonely in families," and " I fear no one! I'll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me."

Psalm 68:6 and Psalm 27

P.S. The rest of the story... Daisy did great after all and loved her groomer and afternoon of pampering!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 3 - Father Knows What's Going On

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 3 - Father Knows What's Going On: From God’s perspective, our world is doing pretty much what He always knew it would. That’s why He sent Jesus. He knew we woul...

The Wisdom In Opposites

The world seems to be made up of opposites, doesn’t it? Joy and sorrow; health and illness; compassion and indifference; war and peace; love and hate; hot and cold; friend and foe; likes and dislikes; wisdom and ignorance; beauty and ugliness; light and dark; happy and sad; smart and ignorant; strong and weak; blessing and curse; help and hurt; build and destroy; life and death; softness and hardness; wet and dry; clean and dirty; fresh and stale; kind and mean; laughter and tears; hope and fear; you can add more here ___________!

I feel like we are supposed to begin to be more aware of all of this. It will help us see and discern truth; enter victory; and choose wisdom.

Psalm 73:24 - You lead me with your secret wisdom. And following you brings me into your brightness and glory!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 2 - See Heaven on Earth

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 2 - See Heaven on Earth: I love to hike with my camera. It ’ s a pal, really. It helps me be more aware of my surroundings. It serves as a brain to my ...

In Quiet Confidence And Trust...

In a world that seems to be in chaos, look for the pure, the beautiful, the peaceful, the quiet, the love, the hope. Focus on the positive, with faith and fullness - knowing you have seen miracles in your own life and knowing that there is an all powerful God that knows how to bring you through and to your destiny.

Jeremiah 29:11 - "I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Psalm 121:1-3 - I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 1 - What's The Story?

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: July 1 - What's The Story?: There are so many different kinds of writers. There are teachers, dreamers, philosophers, imagineers, twisted, succinct, poets, musicians, ...

Dream Those Old Dreams Again!

It's the last day of the month - the end of something and the beginning of something new - the second half of the year. God is bringing to mind old dreams that you are starting to dream about again. What are they? Write them down. Ask God what He’s thinking about it and about you; then write those down, too.

Do you wonder how to start writing these things? If so, just simply start a letter - "Dear God," then write your heart and listen for His words in your imagination. He has given you your imagination as a place where you can communicate with HIs brilliance!

Philippians 2:1 - Look at how much encouragement you've found in your relationship with the Anointed One! You are filled to overflowing with his comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 30 - Your Tapestry Will Help Someone

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 30 - Your Tapestry Will Help Someone: Just as a tapestry is made more beautiful because of its contrasting colors and textures, so our life is more beautiful as we ...

Write the Dream!

The Bible has a lot to say to writers and dreamers. “Write it down,” it says. Write what? Write your dreams; intentionally plan how you will meet your goals and dreams; write the desires of your heart; journal your prayers and brilliant thoughts. There is something in the process of writing it down (or texting, typing, and voice recording) that activates something supernatural that will propel you to seeing your dreams, plans, and prayers become reality. 

Habakkuk 2:2-3 - And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming - it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time. (The Message)

Photo: I wrote down my dream that I would meet Paul Young (Author of The Shack) and invite him to Colorado to speak at a writers conference and our Beautiful Smart Lady Summit. God made that happen in some miraculous ways! He also gave me the dreams of starting conferences and businesses. They were His dreams first. What a great partner!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 29 - Get 'Er Done!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 29 - Get 'Er Done!: Our southpaw and future Rockies catcher ready for a foul ball at Coors Field. What is it you have always wanted to do? To lear...

Hi God! Let's Play!

Today, I feel like God simply wants you to know He loves you. You make Him happy, He is so proud of you. He delights in your dreams. He revels in your passions for life. He loves the way you love. He likes you. He thinks you are beautiful and handsome. He loves to be with you and do what you're doing!

Psalm 36:7 - O God, how extravagant is your cherishing love! All mankind can find a hiding place under the shadow of your wings.

Painting: My granddaughter, Mesa, and I love painting together! 

Even though she is in Texas and I'm in Colorado, we sometimes paint together at the same time, then take pictures of our paintings and message them to each other. Oh the wonders of technology! Here she painted crosses with an Olaf sticker! Joy, joy, joy!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 28 - Visit Your Power Place!

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 28 - Visit Your Power Place!: There are physical places on earth that have power for us. As a writer, I feel more creative in certain coffee shops, book shops, an...

Inside of Extreme Loving-Kindness

A six-month-old Daisy pup is like a 3-year-old toddler. Life is all about her. Affectionate, funny, misbehaving, plays hard, sleeps harder and looks so cute you don’t get much done because of all the cuddles. I learned this week that she actually likes the discipline of knowing her boundaries. She’s happier, more settled, and has surrendered her job of barking at everything that moves - to me. Could it be that I’m that way, too? Happier within a system that brings freedom to just be me and not feel I have to “do” but just “be”? God’s discipline of me has been inside of extreme loving-kindness that sets the boundaries of my own love and calling.
Psalm 143:8 - Let the dawning day bring me revelation of your tender, unfailing love. Give me light for my path and teach me, for I trust in you.

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 27 - His Sun Shines Upon All

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 27 - His Sun Shines Upon All: He says to me: "It's going to be okay!" As a mountain girl now living in a big city, I have been encountered twice by peop...

My Interview with One of My Heroes - Wm. Paul Young - Author of "The Shack"

I was so excited to interview Wm. Paul Young recently - the author of "The Shack" (23 million best seller!!!) Here he talks to writers and, really, everyone, about our human experience and the difference love and wholeness make. I love the way he thinks. Please listen. He is truly a gift to your heart! With love from me!

Chris Tracy Interviews Wm. Paul Young

Problem Solving Wisdom Right Here

I was fretting the other day, wondering if my puppy, Daisy, would ever be accepted into society with her bad habits. I had tried and tried to train her to no avail. Barking at the squirrels and dogs and people and bushes and chickens was definitely her self proclaimed job and nothing was going to deter that. That is until someone mentioned a spray water bottle. Simple. Free. Easy. Two days in and her bad habits are 80 percent gone. Why hadn’t any trainers I researched mentioned it? Life is like that sometimes. The solutions are way easier and less expensive than we think if we just take the time to listen for them.

Mark 4:9, Jame 1:5

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 26 - No Greater

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 26 - No Greater:  “Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel…” – the music and beautiful voice of James Taylor echoed fro...

Bullfrog Blessings

As I sat at a small lake near my home, I heard a strange honking sound coming from the water. I couldn’t find the source, but I believe it was a bullfrog. His greeting to me was so welcome. How I love that I took the time to sit on a rock to listen and just be. What a gift that little guy gave me. In the midst of a busy city, traffic, people, work, and busyness, that small moment gifted me a quiet memory of God’s perfect creation that speaks to us from everywhere if we will only listen.

1 Kings 19: 11-13, Romans 1:20

(Yes it WAS a bullfrog! Listen!)

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 25 - Forward Momentum

Crisp Mountain Air - By Chris Tracy: June 25 - Forward Momentum: Days pass and with them, time marches on in our lives toward purpose, life changes, education, new relationships. You are sens...

Do You Already Have What You're Praying For?

An Exclamation Point Love! Photo by Chris

Dear Reader - 
As always, I want to write to you personally. 
Heart to heart.
Love to love.
So much is happening in my world, but there are some things I've learned just lately that I want to share with you because I think they pertain to you, too.
Today I write the first one.
Many of us pine away wishing we could be more of something. Smarter, wiser, more loving, more discerning, a better mom, a better dad, a better friend, more organized, on and on.
I was that way this year in three areas. I prayed and almost immediately God showed me I already had what I was praying for.
For example. I prayed I could be a more loving person; not judgmental; truly free to share love without worrying about the risk. I prayed about this and immediately I turned to this verse in Song of Songs 4:5: "Your pure faith and love rest over your heart...." As I read this, I was at a ranch, sitting on a log, enjoying the warm morning sun. I was surprised. Really surprised at such a quick answer and affirmation. What I truly desired I already possessed. But then the real shocker. I turned around, looked down, and saw what I posted a photo of here.
God is not worried about me. I shouldn't be worried either. I just need to step into who I am and rest in His exclamation-point-love for me. 
What are you asking Him about? Watch for the immediate answer and trust it is Him and it is true.
Love to you!
- Chris
Read my story in my book, Tapestry - The Divine Design For Your Life; available in Kindle and paperback at Amazon. Click here.

What Will You Say Yes To?

Many of us stretch our lives too thin. It goes on for a while and then we find ourselves sick, tired, emotionally and mentally drained. I felt like God said to me this year to stop spending so much time planning what to say "no" to and start intentionally discovering what I want to say "yes" to. Once I have determined that, there will be ample grace and power to wean out the things that are not "yes."

What are you saying "yes" to?

Luke 5:15-16 - Massive crowds continually gathered to hear him speak and to be healed from their illnesses. 16 But Jesus often slipped away from them and went into the wilderness to pray.

Nothing Can Steal This Joy

Even on days when things aren't going well, there is an inner joy I have that is hard to explain. It's like a little diamond in my heart that stays polished and glistening. It was part of me before I was born, but ignited in my twenties, filling a hole in my heart that no prior
human experience was ever able to fill. It had to do with discovering who I was, who I belonged to, and how much I was dearly loved in spite of anything I had ever done. I'm so thankful for that little diamond of great joy.

Galations 5:22-23 - But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

When You Have Nothing Left to Give

Sometimes I feel so exhausted. Yes, I am doing things I love. Yes, I'm accomplishing a lot - almost everything on my lists. Yes, I'm keeping up, almost. But sometimes I am spent. Totally spent. Like right now as my body forces me to rest with a nasty cold. How do I balance my life and avoid exhaustion? There is only one answer. I can't. But when I surrender all of this in my trust that I am not alone - I can operate from a state of rest, believing my Maker's hand is upon the things I am supposed to get done. He is My helper and my strength.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Psalm 61:2-3 - When I'm feeble and overwhelmed by life, guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered. Lord, you are a paradise of protection for me.

March 24 - Forget These 3 Words!

I was thinking today about how I think. Wrong thoughts tend to creep in when I lose my focus of who I am and what my purpose is. Take these three words, for example. Today I want to strike them from my thinking and vocabulary!

Impossible - Because I know that with God - all things are possible.

Stress - Because God's promise to me is "be anxious for nothing but in all things, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.

Afraid - Because I know that perfect love casts out fear. I live in and under perfect love. Therefore I do not and cannot fear.

So there - You have my permission to call me out on these any time!

See Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:6 and Ephesians 3:20; and 1 John 4:18.

March 23 - The One Thing

Recently I was feeling overwhelmed. My brain was shorting out as I tried to remember all the little pieces of things I felt responsible for carrying out and completing.  I wrote them all down. When I finished, I realized there were too many for one little me. Exasperated, I prayed: "What am I to do? How did this happen? Why do I feel this way? What can I do?" And finally, "What is my purpose?"

In an instant, I sensed God speak: "You were created to be loved by Me and to let Me love others through you." Period. No more. No less.

Today, let's narrow our focus; shorten our lists; and build upon that for which we were created.

John 13:34 - "Love each other just as much as I have loved you."

March 22 - Stop Planning. Start Doing!

Every year I buy a fresh new planner and begin to create my perfect year with goals and strategies; dreams and hopes; prayers and pleas.

But I feel like this year my message to me is "Stop planning. Start doing." 

There is comfort and safety in the planning, isn't there? It feels important, but has little power on its own. It takes legs and hands; a mind to create; and a heart to risk and have faith that we can and we will. 

How do we break free of the planning and start the "doing?" Take one step today. Another tomorrow. Begin the task, type the word, buy the paint, make the call, find your team, meet one deadline. You are on your way! You CAN and you WILL because you are not alone! Go!

Habbakuk 2:2 - Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.

Proverbs 16:9 - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

March 21, 2018 - Five Things a Puppy Knows About Life

1 - Life is AWESOME!
2 - Wild moments are important before naps.
3 - Love is returned with more love.
4 - The world needs to laugh.
5 - Everyone needs a friend.

Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine.

Here is our new Aussiedoodle, Daisy, saying "hello" to Allison, Patsy, and Dolly.

Feb. 7 - Is Your Dream Impossible Enough?

Sometimes I look at my big dream, my passion, my gifting, my business, my age, my looks, and on and on and think "that other person has way more going for her! I don't know enough! Who would want me? I'm sure to fail!" But nothing can be further from the truth. The truth is, my passion was given to me by my Creator. His promises to me tell me He wants me to go for it. His delight is in me. And as long as my delight is in Him, he has already given me the desires of my heart.

He is with me in what He has given me to release to this world. What may seem impossible to me is totally possible with Him. With God as my partner, I can't fail. I will win, I will be successful, and quite possibly I will change the world!

Psalm 37:4-5 - Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life, and he will provide for you what you desire the most. Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust him along the way, you'll find he pulled it off perfectly! (TPT)

The Miracle of the Eggs

It snowed in Denver this week. A blowing, icy blast of crystals accumulated to 6 inches.
Cozy in their coop, my chickens (Reba, Dolly, Maybelle, Allison, Patsy, and June) were afraid to come out in the cold.
But here is the rest of the story.
Early that morning after shoveling snow, Rick decided to take a dozen eggs to our neighbor. That left us with 1 egg. Then Rick asked if we could have German pancakes for breakfast. "Really?" I thought. "You just gave all the eggs away!" Dismayed, I contemplated asking Rick if he could borrow a couple eggs back. But...we decided to wait on the hens. And by golly they started going to work. Instead of the normal 3 eggs per day, we had a whopping 7 by the afternoon. They more than doubled their daily egg production.
I think I am finally getting that we can't out-give God. When we generously give, He promises to give back in abundance. After we thanked God AND the chickens - we had a perfectly puffy German pancake.

Mark 6:41 - Then Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, gazed into heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the bread and the two fish and distributed them to his disciples to serve the people - and the food was multiplied in front of their eyes.

How To Be Brave

The thought that a path is lit up before me and that I am never alone as I set foot upon it helps me to be braver than I could ever be without this promise. I am a risk taker; an adventurer; a dreamer; and a woman who believes in impossibilities. Without faith, I could be none of these. I am so thankful to the illuminator of my path.

Psalm 18:28-30: God, all at once you turned on a floodlight for me! You are the revelation-light in my darkness, and in your brightness I can see the path ahead. With you as my strength I can crush an enemy horde, advancing through every stronghold that stands in front of me. What a God you are! Your path for me has been perfect! All your promises have proven true. (The Passion Translation)

Inviting the Quiet

My email and FaceBook feeds are inundated with messages trying to entice me to learn, buy, join, or stand for or against something. It is ultra-annoying and I am spending the morning unsubscribing to most everybody that is doing this. So now I am looking at my own business. How can I help people on the internet without burying them in sale-sy messages? I HAVE to be better than this. There must be a way.

In my own life, I want to simplify. I love what Henry David Thoreau said:

"Our lives are frittered away by detail. Simplify! Simplify!"

I don't want my life to be frittered away. Today, I will relish being still and will invite quiet into my life.

How are you doing this in your life?

Luke 5:16 - But Jesus often slipped away from them and went into the wilderness to pray.