Ray Hughes Interview Breaks Your Heart Into Happy Pieces

I wanted to post this interview for my blog readers. Ray Hughes is one of my favorite poets and speakers because his words have a way of weaving themselves into the fabric of my heart. Start listening. You won't be sorry. This interview was a monthly Writing Forum hosted by Theresa Dedmon's Create Academy - of which I am a leader. This is an international online academy. For information, go to www.theresadedmon.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUqMif7UkoM&t=20s

The Pregnant Pause

Have you ever been tackled by a pregnant pause?

Speakers sometimes use it after they deliver something profound. This pause gives us, well, pause. To ponder. To digest. To wonder.

When musicians use it, we lean forward; pay attention; wait for the resolve.

Artists offer the pause as space on the canvas; a photographer in the rule of thirds.

Writers use style; a one word sentence; they break the rules if they know them well enough.

The pause teams with life and revelation; breathing space; the aha!

Artists take from inspiration and prepare a meal with colors and texture. The pregnant pause is the fine wine that stimulates hunger for more.

Now that I'm aware of it, I wonder if I really ever serve up the wine. I think, honestly, I'm most happy just dancing on the grapes.

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For info on my books and writing life, go to http://www.christinetracy.com

You Can Do It!

Do you ever fret and wait and procrastinate and finally, once you take the risk and try something new, you realize it wasn't hard at all? That just happened (again) to me!

I'm still learning by leaps and bounds. Today I learned to do a landing page in Mailchimp for one of my workshops. Who'da thunk?

I just determined to do it, and I did. I'm about to send it out and we'll see what happens.

Nonetheless - I want to encourage you to take that next step. Try that new thing. Learn that new skill. Dive into creativity in a new form. Imagine that new business and make a plan. Don't settle. Go big! You can do it, and these days, all of us have extra social distancing time, right?

I believe in you!

Love, Chris

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

If you'd like to get info about my upcoming online writing workshops, email me at chris@christinetracy.com

When Things Seem Bleak, Look for the Promises!

In the time since the onset of the virus here in the U.S., life has taken on a new course. Right now, hugging is a no-no; grandkids are at our table doing schoolwork because their schools are closed down; and my birthday presents yesterday included several rolls of TP (presented with big bows and lots of laughter).

But I've also noticed creativity rising up and welcomely invading our internet space from people's home studios. I love the free concerts, online conferences, the paintings, the humor, and the strategic new ideas for business.

In a time where fear is being generated; when we're having to be wise and careful; when the headlines are getting worse by the day...I am doubly thankful for anything that can bring hope, love, encouragement, and promisees for a future that may be different, but will still be good.

Psalm 106:12 - Then they believed his promises, and sang his praise.

How to Clear Congestion of the Mind

Used to be when I skied my chest and head cold would clear like the parting clouds of a storm. Sun would enter into my heart through my eyes, and fresh air would invade my lungs thanks to the cold, fresh, thin air. The exhilaration of a mogul run would spring my body into action and into healing. By day's end my cold would almost be gone!
No doctor would prescribe that. I broke the rules and it worked.
So how, today, can I apply that to the congestion of my mind...a mind that needs to kick in to creativity...to write...to solve problems...to relate to people? What rules can I break that don't make sense, but ultimately will bring me into new clarity? Rather than sit at my blank screen, today I will play my guitar, paint a picture, run instead of walk, call a crazy friend, read good fiction, and dance in the living room. 
I'll dance and laugh at writing rules until that inkling of brightness breaks open in my line of vision and inspiration explodes.

Psalm 45:1 - "Like a river bursting its banks, I'm overflowing with words, spilling out into the sacred story." (The Passion Translation)

Check out my new book: The Art of Writing - An Intimate Devotional For Writers!

Sidetracks to Big Inspiration

There are so many things I love to do, like gardening, playing my guitar, taking online classes, photography, and meeting friends at my coffee shop. But these all take beautiful time. Am I missing what my true calling is by enjoying my little life's pleasures? Yes, maybe,...and no. I believe our true calling emerges from our creative moments. When I garden, journal, play, read, drive...these are the moments I have brilliant thoughts and ideas for the business I'm passionate about, which is helping people tell their stories. Life is a balance. Don't waste time if you can help it...but don't forsake the fun, either. Let's create today...and have brilliant thoughts, strategic ideas, and meet fascinating people! And then let's get to work on what we're best at and love the most!

Today, God is revealing something new for you...something powerful to propel you to success!

If you are uniquely gifted in your work, you will rise and be promoted. You won't be held back - you'll stand before kings! Proverbs 22:29 (TPT)

When Your Gift Opens Doors

I love the arts. I love artists! Some of my friends are painters, poets, and musicians. Yesterday I met a goldsmith. I love to write and take photos. Every day I encounter people who are pursuing a passion to create beauty. Where does this come from and why?

Our Creator made us in His image. We are made for creativity. Nothing can draw people into the awe of Creation and the heart of God like a beautiful song; a painting that brings hope and healing; a creative idea that boundlessly blesses a child with cancer; a story that lines up with a grieving heart and brings peace; a piece of jewelry that cheers with sunlight; a voice raised in praise that draws us to heaven; a cello piece that makes us weep.

What are you created for that can bless a hurting world? Today, will you please enter this holy place inside you and release your brilliance? Take a listen to these carpenters who bring heaven to earth in a freshly sheet-rocked garage. Merry Christmas!

Psalm 45:1 - My heart is on fire, boiling over with passion. Bubbling up within me are these beautiful lyrics as a lovely poem to be sung for the King. (The Passion Translation)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-In6ZXYR1A

November 7 - Color Outside The Lines!

You have learned through life to color inside the lines. God is giving you permission to break the rules! Color outside the lines. Think outside the box. You will be surprised! 

"From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God."

- Chris Tomlin's lyrics to "Indescribable."

October 25 - Creativity Will Unlock Your Mind

My photo printed on canvas by Triple V Designs.

Something creative, like an instrument or canvas, is beckoning you today. It’s been too long. Jump in, create something or just play that guitar. It has the power to declutter your mind and make you brilliant for new strategies for your life.

Psalm 49:4 - I set plainspoken wisdom before you, my heart-seasoned understandings of life.
I fine-tuned my ear to the sayings of the wise,
I solve life’s riddle with the help of a harp. (The Message)

September 13 - Something Being Birthed

With the rains of autumn, there is new growth in a certain area of your life. Autumn is not just a time of harvest, but there are refreshing moments in the spirit that birth creativity, new ideas, and new hope.

You crown the year with your bounty,
  and your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11

Check out my book!

September 4 - You were Designed to Design!

Just as God is painting the landscapes in the colors of Fall (or Spring if you are in the Southern Hemisphere), you are recognizing your own colors – through heightened creative activity. You are made in the image of a divine Creator. You are made, therefore, to be creative. Do not hinder it. Flow in it.

Genesis 1:27 - God created human beings; he created them godlike; Reflecting God’s nature. (The Message)