My New Book, Essence: 365 God Thoughts About You

I want my Crisp Mountain Air readers to know about my newest book. I spent 365 days (and yes, there is a Leap Year post) praying and writing what I thought God wanted to say to my readers. It was a labor of love and learning to listen. Now I want you to experience that voice I heard for you and for me. In a dark world and in scary times, I pray this book brings light and life and hope to you as you start each day brighter and rising higher to see a beautiful vision of how God sees us and His creation. I'm so blessed to have endorsements from some of my favorite teachers and authors, including Dr. Brian Simmons; Ray Hughes; Don Milam; Steve Backlund; Theresa and Kevin Dedmon; Matt Tommey; and more. Much love to all and thank you for reading my blogs!

My friend sent me this picture of my book given to her as a gift. 

Here is the Amazon link to purchase. It will make a great gift any time during the year, but especially for the New Year. Gift yourself and a friend! 

Click here to purchase paperback, hardcover, or Kindle.

Poem: Butter Cookie

Butter Cookie

Let me be:

As tasty as second-day chili

Sweet and soft as a homemade butter cookie

Tender as aged meat

Giving as one who has little yet so much.

I want to “be:”

Slow enough to catch my memories

Quick enough to chase my grandkids

Deep enough to truly love

High enough to truly see.

Vintage. Old soul. Seer. Lover.

Help me embrace these parts of me.

That I may truly enjoy life

And the gift of my years.

(Acrylic painting by Chris Tracy)

“Is This Enough?”

I was walking through the woods, mist in the warm Texas air, and was thinking how beautiful it was and how thankful I felt to be walking at this moment. It was 25 degrees cooler than it had been the past sweltering week. I was reveling in it and so was Daisy. Suddenly a voice spoke in my imagination saying: “if this is all you had; right now; forever…if your dreams don’t happen and your hopes aren’t realized…is this enough?”

I knew it was Papa God talking to me. I looked at the ducks swimming in the Pecan Bayou and the trees drooping heavy over the path and felt the warmth on my cheeks and the true joy in my heart. I did not hesitate.

“Yes!” I answered. “This is definitely enough.” 

Then I began to sing to Daisy one of my favorite songs. (Attached here.)

“Poems and Prayers and Promises” by John Denver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuP1kMRyKOY

Find my books on Amazon.

Don't Lose Heart

Recently, we were so disappointed we were unable to attend some events that would have been SO good for us. One was in the Smoky Mountains. Another in Redding, California. Have you ever felt like you're missing out? Like you were left behind? 

Yeah. I know it. But, I've lived long enough now to realize when there is something we had to say "no" to, there is always something better coming. There is always a blessing in the missing. Honestly. Life works that way. You think the world is coming to an end. And then it isn't. Life takes a turn; a new adventure; a new dream. It gets better and you get to cherish a special moment you wouldn't have had had you not missed out on what you thought was so important.

If you're in a painful place right now, I understand. But don't lose heart. Your joyful blessing and adventure is ahead. And...you are not alone in today's pain. 

I found this from one of my favorite songwriters and musicians. Take a listen.

Every life contains its sorrows and pains
Its stormy weather and its rough terrains
You watch me wrestle with my length of chain
And smile so bravely as you tell me
Don't lose heart.... Dan Fogelberg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxB2jUErffU&list=RDFxB2jUErffU&start_radio=1

Thank you for reading my blog and please subscribe! For more of my writing, check out my books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Christine-Tracy/e/B00MBR0Z6E/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

Poem 7 of 30 by Christine Tracy

 

When Things Go Awry

When things go awry,

Look to the hills;

When plans go South,

Take a step North;

When dreams break,

Lean into hope;

When reality looks fake,

Go find new truth.

It's there.

Just take the hand of

The one who made you;

Who keeps creating

Keeps releasing

Joy

In all, through all, because of all

Trust

Step forward.

Look up.

This one loves you

And knows the way.

Poem 1 of 30 by Christine Tracy

 

In the Quiet of the Hard

In the quiet places of the hard things

Are seeds of future gifts.

Good God gifts.

Gifts for you; for others.

Untie the ribbon of grief.

Open the wrapping paper of fear.

Look deep into the box of loss.

Now take hold of the promise.

Breathe in the glimmer of hope.

Notice the strategic seeds of serendipity.

Witness the new sprout, the growth, and the flower.

And remember the hard soil

that brought forth new life; new joy.

What's Good About 2020?

I've always been one who tries to see the good in situations that appear not-so-good. I do this because I feel like all things can be redeemed, restored, and renewed.

So what do I see in 2020?

I see an amazing passion among people to stand up for what they believe.

I see people sincerely looking for truth and honesty.

I see a new breed of people that see value and promise in personal experience in business and life.

I see people earnestly seeking to step into their calling and equipping themselves through so much available right now online.

I see a beautiful country that is beloved by its citizens who are ready to fight for it.

I see people taking a stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - even if it means they are having to change and overrule the dogma that has deceived them.

I see a fierce and beautiful independence, coupled with compassion, love, and sacrifice.

I see children becoming aware there is so much to our freedom.

I see the people of God - the bride of Christ - armed with prayer, worship, and hope as they navigate the current climate.

I see the Church stepping out of the walls and into the streets of life - 24 / 7 - and understanding and exercising the power of love and kindness.

If you don't see this yet, start watching for it. It is an amazing time to be alive.

With love (and kindness) to all.

Chris

www.christinetracy.com

Ancient Eyes and Birdsong Mornings

A dead tree pays honor to the beauty of a brilliant sunset;

A memory of love yields its capacity to the hope of new love;

The brokenness of age contrasts the perfection of a newborn’s cry;

The faded bloom is outperformed by the brightness of a new bud;

The cry of pain soon gives way to the joy of healing;

A fierce storm ushers in a birdsong morning;

Ancient eyes stare into the innocence of youth.

The world keeps turning.

Life regenerates.

The old is but a memory of what used to be.

Yet…the old, the storm, the brokenness, the pain - are still honored, cherished, found beautiful, in what they invite into the now. Selah.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

When All is Stripped Away

It was 2009 and our lives and dreams had imploded in economic disaster. We lost our business, our home; and we felt ashamed and lost. 

Holding hands, Rick and I paused at the top of our driveway, turned around, then looked at the sweet, quiet, beauty of the place we called home for 30 years. So much life lived. So many laughs, giggles, and big dreams fulfilled. Here, we had built a home and a family with our own hands and hearts.

We prayed for the next tenants; blessed the land and the neighborhood; and thanked God for the amazing gift of being able to raise our family here. And then...we moved on.

That was 11 years ago. Though times were frantic, tumultuous, and seemingly hopeless, we entered our new lives with cautious hope; leaning on a glistening promise of a better tomorrow. Looking back, I now know we had an uncanny faith to move mountains.

How did we do that? It wasn't under our own power. We were devastated and hurt to the bone. But we felt called. And then we felt sent. We left our home to sit at the feet of Jesus for two years where we were healed and set free.

When others saw failure, horror, and doom, we saw and witnessed the promise and presence of a Father that loves us most; who cares for us; who fights for us.

 Sometimes things need to be stripped away so we can see what's true and real.

Here's a classic from Matt Redmon to quiet your spirit and bless you day. You're welcome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Zp586pvZg

It's Time To Dust Off Those Words!

Have you ever had someone talk about the future of YOU? Who you'd become? Your destiny? The gold they saw in you? If so, you were the receiver of a beautiful gift God gives us to "see" each other differently than we sometimes see ourselves. We all love an encouraging word.

Instead of dismissing words that highlight your gifts; or diverting words to some other person you think is more worthy; why not dust those words off, read them aloud, say "yes" to them, and receive them into your very being - your body, soul, mind, emotions, and spirit?

This could be the time in history when your destiny words are fulfilled. A time when you step into your true identity.

In fact, I'll declare all of this for all of us: "The best is yet to come!"

Psalm 24:7 - So wake up, you living gateways! Lift up your heads, you ageless doors of destiny! Welcome the King of Glory, for he is about to come through for you.

Happy Easter!

In these times...

I could feel hopeless. I could feel depressed. I could be angry. I could blame.

But I can't go there. Some might say I don't care. But...the truth is I care too much. It would be too easy for me to climb into a hole of despair and get stuck.

So...I get up every morning, sip my coffee, check my messages, read, water my garden, walk my dog, greet people, connect with friends, bake a little, work, write, take photos, and I give myself an assignment to look for the good.

I may not be able to control what's happening in my world, but I can control how I respond to it. 

That said - I am believing with all hope and trust that we are going to be OK as a people and a nation. Today we celebrate a day in history when suddenly everything changed. 

Happy Easter everyone. The Lord is Risen and He is indeed good!

Regarding the Headlines:

I'm a career journalist; a born and bred newspaper lover. I have been defending the media lately. The news outlets I watch and read, I believe, are indeed trying to present the facts. 

That said, I also know humans, and hence those in the media, tend to look at the negative; the crisis; expecting the worst. 

These sentiments seem to rise like invisible cream in every report these days. May I suggest that no one really can foresee how this will end? We must not put our faith in reports that stem from a reporter's or "expert's" own fears. I have heard it said that fear is faith in the wrong God. I have also heard it said that we empower the enemy when we believe his lies.

So how can we change how we respond? If we could just re-look at what is happening, could we begin to believe for headlines like these? I'm looking forward to them.

100 Percent Survival Rate!
49 Things the Government Did Right
The Victory our Leaders are Going After
5 Things the President Got Right
Communities Unite to Help Health Workers
The World Unites in the Battle
Defeating the Hidden Enemy
Virus is Losing the Battle
The Intelligence Behind the Victory
Successful Drugs and Vaccines Win the Day
Valiant Health Workers Band in Herculean Battle
and Win
92 Lives Saved Today
Thousands to Volunteer Help
Polls Show 98 percent are Unafraid
No More Fear
Here's to 2020 - The Year the World's Vision Corrected
People More Thankful, More Giving, Kinder, and Full of Joy
The Day We All Hugged Again
Doomsday Thwarted
Could God Really be Real?
Miraculous Departure of Virus Stuns Experts

Let's begin to declare and pray these headlines.

Thank you very much!

Love to all. Praying for every reader - for protection, provision, comfort, connection, healing, and that you would see God's mighty hand and presence in your life today.

Romans 4:17 - (paraphrase) - God calls things which are not as though they are. (We are made in His image. He is Creator. We are creative. He creates things with His Word. We can, too, by our declarations. What will you call into existence today?

What Voices Are We Listening To?

How many of us are spending time listening to the good voices on social media much more than the foreboding ones? I, for one! I am loving the good home-brewed music; so many good prophecies; so many excellent classes and conferences; and countless stories of humans doing good and being kind.

We are all playing, slowing down, breaking out the paints, enjoying our music, gathering around the table, and yes - finding time to be silly - like Mesa, and her brother, Cord, who put on an elaborate coronation ceremony for our Aussie-doodle, "Queen" Daisy. Now that's creativity!

Hang in there everyone...and listen to the "good" out there. If you look for it, you'll find it.

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

The Goodness of God in the Land of the Living

The Bible talks a lot about the enemy falling into his own trap.

Combined with Romans 8:28, I think that could be what we are witnessing now.

How could God use this evil of a global pandemic and turn it around for good? Well, at least at the moment, He has quite a captive audience. Many are asking Him "What are you doing? What are you saying?"

I propose we take time to ask Him every day, starting now, those two questions - and then listen for the answers.

One inkling of an answer I feel I'm getting is: there is interest and excitement for the new way of doing church. God is reaching into living rooms and offices in so many ways through social media.

Another inkling is I feel God is instilling something new into his human creation - a brain upgrade.

One more inkling is, He is teaching us to give ourselves permission to rest, to lay low, to spend un-rushed time with those closest to us.

Do you have an inkling of what God might be doing?

Psalm 27:13 - I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Look for the Beauty!

Flowers still bloom. The sun still rises and sets. Butterflies still abound. Birds are still cheerfully singing. The world is still beautiful.

If you look for the good, you'll find it.

Kindness is all around us.

Peace presently rules in our homes.

Love overcomes everything.

How will you release beauty today? 

"Take the carefree birds as your example. Do you ever see them worry? They don't grow their own food or put it in a storehouse for later. Yet God takes care of every one of them, feeding each of them from his love and goodness. Isn't your life more precious to God than a bird? Be carefree in the care of God!
Luke 12:24 - The Passion Translation

My website: www.christinetracy.com

The Far Side of the Moon?

Do you feel like we're about to go around the dark side of the moon?

Remember when we used to send astronauts to orbit the moon? There was a time on the back side where we couldn't communicate with the ship. We had to wait hours before we knew the astronauts were safe; when they could again communicate with Mission Control.

That's how this pandemic seems right now. No one knows for sure what might happen.

Well, I'm going to break that sense of fear in my home and on my blog.

I declare by God's mighty hand of protection we will be alright - physically and economically - and as a people we'll be ready to rebuild and reconnect.

I declare this time in isolation is more about inspiration - for creativity; for strategic ideas; for improved relationships; for being thankful; and for appreciating what we have, realizing what is most important.

I declare this buffoon of a pandemic will quickly blow itself out and that history will show our fears were unwarranted. 

I pray and I declare we will be a nation of celebrators as we rejoice together that we missed a bullet and we learned a lot.

Does this sound crazy? Honestly, I would rather live in expectation of good than dread of bad. It's healthier. It works. Join me?

A word from Bethel Church senior leader Bill Johnson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNydBTwgoys

My Prayer This Morning

Papa God...

I have trouble concentrating lately...trouble focusing on a prayer...so much happening...so much to think about.

But this morning, I lift up my beautiful world to you...my family...my friends...into your embrace and powerful hands.

You are sovereign. We will follow your lead in great anticipation of your goodness.

Today and this season are but a blip in your great plan for us. We will not fear. We will hunker down in a loving home and we will hope. Yes hope.

In 2020, the best is still yet to come. And it will. May your healing touch be with those who are fearful, sick, and hopeless. Let us be a light that shines in this present darkness.

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1 (NKJV)

Radiant Promises

Today is a good day to rise above; look at life from a new perspective; see yourself as the beloved of a good Father; and remember you are not alone. You were made for love; for a purpose; with passions and dreams and the ability to achieve them with your Creator. Don't lose hope. Keep believing. Be thankful in your circumstances. Find the good in every situation. Love to all!

The Lord alone is our radiant hope...His wrap-around presence will strengthen us. Psalm 33:20 - The Passion Translation.

"Our Words Create Worlds"

 My man and I have had a tumultuous decade. We are so blessed by it, but it's not without its moments of stress, uncertainty, and doubt about the coming decade. They say that the enemy's battleground is the mind. If that's true - how do I do battle to overcome negative thoughts and anxiety; sleeplessness and worry; doubts and fears?

Declarations! Yes - just as God created the universe by His words, I, having been made in His image, can declare and create my life, my destiny, and my response to everything.

What a blessing found on a mirror
 in a school restroom.

So...a few declarations I wrote for today:

1 - Today is the best day...and the best of my life is yet to come!

2 - I see God's hand at work every moment  in my life and in the life of my family.

3 - I am thankful for all the blessings of health, strength, home, and dreams coming true.

4 - I am protected, provided for, and loved.

5 - I am a force to be reckoned with because I am not alone. I have the Creator of the Universe at my side and in me to do all that is in my heart to do.

What declarations would you add?

"Our words create worlds." Quoted by many, but the original source is unknown to me.

Check out my books - The Art of Writing; and Tapestry - both available on Amazon.com.

Magnifying Magnificence

When I take one facet of the magnificence of Creation and magnify it… my heart skips a beat as I recognize in that tiny brilliance of God’s goodness, I find myself - my inmost being - thrilled and full of joy at the beauty that takes my breath away. We are that kind of beauty to Him. Did you know that? He went to the cross for the joy set before him of being with us for eternity. In Song of Songs he literally exclaims His love for us: “For you reach into my heart. With one flash of your eyes I am undone by your love, my beloved, my equal, my bride. You leave me breathless— I am overcome by merely a glance from your worshiping eyes, for you have stolen my heart. I am held hostage by your love and by the graces of righteousness shining upon you.” Song of Songs 4:9, The Passion Translation.

Chris Tracy's art includes writing, photography, and helping people tell their stories. www.christinetracy.com