When I Was 29

When I was 29, I invited Jesus into my heart. But I have come to realize he invited me into His heart long before.

Most of my life I've been desperate to know Him more. Now I see He lives in me and I've known Him since forever.

I hear Him now. It's not that he just started talking. It's more that I stopped talking. I embraced a moment, asked a question, and listened.

My path has taken me many directions, but now I just come to this very personal, very quiet thought. He is with me and it makes all the difference.

John 14:20: So when that day comes, you will know that I am living in the Father and that you are one with me, for I will be living in you.

For more about my writing life, see www.christinetracy.com.

Poem 6 of 30 by Christine Tracy

Truth that Overcomes

I sit in a tree top

Looking upon life

My life

Wondering about 

The little girl

Who daydreamed.

Of faraway places

Journeys

and adventures

Safely in the hands of

Family and a Papa she knew

But couldn't see.

"Too sensitive" she was labeled.

"Perfectionist" she was called.

"I wonder where she goes?" 

Said her teacher, frustrated,

Failing to capture her attention in class.

And then, the girl's heart changed,

And she believed the lies.

She would never reach her goal, her dream.

She would fail. Never be quite good enough.

But God.

Now she knows truth.

Her failures led to regrouping, restarting.

Perfectionism led nowhere.

But, instead, the word "excellence" 

Meant her efforts were enough.

Did she do the best she knew how?

Yes.

She did her best - far from perfect.

And that was enough.

That was excellent.

She was enough.

Learning to love herself still.

Will she ever arrive?

Doubts! Unworthiness! No! Go!

Her Father calls her "beloved daughter."

He sees her gold - what He placed in her.

His promises come true in the waiting.

He works ALL for her greater good.

She can rest - yet unknowing - in that.

What if God Truly Is Who He Says He Is?

I was wondering this morning what it would be like going through life with someone you couldn't lean on; someone you didn't trust; someone you knew didn't love you but only pretended to be there for you; someone you felt stuck with, imprisoned by, and hopelessly destined to stay with.

I am so thankful for my husband who totally fits the bill of everything positive a husband and lover should be. But there is another person I am even more thankful for. Someone who tells me not only in the Bible, but in life experience and the creation around me, that I am loved; I can trust him; and I can lean on him in trouble and in joy.

He calls himself a kind father-daddy-papa; friend; healer; my creator; wisdom; helper; my strength; my hope; comforter; my peace; good king; lover of my soul; provider. He says it. I believe it. He has been these things and more to me. If you have not experienced who he is, don't live another day in hopelessness, but ask him to show his true self to you and be open to listen.

Who has God been for you?

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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 would need a savior from ourselves. We are not in a hopeless situation – ever. He is a kind, loving, generous, giving, good Father. He wants you to know that.

You're a good good Father.

It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are

And I am loved by you.

It's who I am, it's who I am, It's who I am."

(From a song called "Good, Good Father "by Housefires. Check it out on You Tube!)