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)

How to Be Reminded of Who You Are

I received a call from my friend, Debbie, on my 70th birthday. We have been friends for 65 years. She grew up across the street from me. We always played together and were best friends. We’ve laughed many laughs and cried many tears together. We don’t talk much these days. We live far apart. But we easily always pick up where we left off.

She told me she had planned to write this to me, but felt compelled to call instead. She started by saying “When Liz and Ceci (other best friends) and I get together and you come up in conversation, we mimic you.” I thought – this is not going to go well. I couldn’t imagine why they would mimic me. But then she went on – in a high-pitched fun voice: “Let’s go do this; let’s go do that; what if we went there; what if we tried this?” She went on to remind me of who I was in high school; a friend who was brave; who tried new things; who believed anything was possible; and who they all loved because of those things. She said they agreed I’m still that person.

 

I don’t remember myself that way. What I remember is being shy and awkward; not very popular; one who didn’t really know where she belonged but tried everything; one who loved sports but was clumsy; one who was sick a lot.

 

I love what Debbie told me. What a birthday gift.

 

We all need to be reminded of who we are, don’t we?

Have you been reminded of who you are lately? If not, find an old friend and have a conversation that will bless you both.

Note: This story was first published on Facebook in 2021. It popped up as a memory today and encouraged me once again. If I hadn't written this down, I would have forgotten it. Be sure to journal your blessings!

Read more of my stories in my book: Tapestry - The Divine Design for Your Life on Amazon.

What is Beautiful to You?

Social media makes us strive to want to be things. Lots of loud voices vie for our attention making promises of wild success. Lately, doesn't it feel like the volume's been turned up? The more they tout classes and workshops and webinars we shouldn't miss, the less I want to be:

Wildly rich and successful

An influencer

Popular

Wealthy

Famous

More beautiful

Younger

A superwoman

Skinny

A world-changer

I don't like feeling coerced into believing things that are contrary to who I am. I'm simply me. I'm happy. I love my family, friends, dog, and nature. How that works itself out through what I love to do is what I'm aiming for. I won't spend more money or time on things that I never finish; things that make me feel like I have failed at what everyone else seems to be successful at.

That said, I'm planning to offer a writing class this summer. Take it only if you're seriously wanting to practice the art because you love it.

Love, Chris

Photo is shorebird prints in the sands of Port Aransas Beach, Texas. One of my three happy places.

Am I Enough?

While walking in the woods, I wonder about purpose. I have lots of labels. Writer, photographer, creative, lover of books, mom, grandma, aunt, wife, homeowner, Texas resident, senior citizen, hippie, spiritual, flower grower, graduate, journalist, mountain girl. They describe me. But why am I these things? I think there is something deeper. Who am I really? This poem came from that pondering. I purposely did not finish it, because I believe God will finish it for you if you, too, wonder like me.

Am I Enough?

Am I enough?

A daughter

On daddy’s lap

Swinging in his arms

Being helpless. Homeless

Without you?

Am I enough?

A heart that loves

But breathes unsure

Of where I fit

Or if I’m pure

To relate enough

Or listen true

To your voice

Your thoughts

Your whispers of affection?

Am I enough?

Do I do it right?

Sing my songs

Believe it all

The way you want?

Can I just be me?

Afraid and lost

Tucked secure

Tight against your heart

Trusting your strength in me?

What is enough?

Is this enough?

Am I enough?

A beloved daughter

Sitting with you?

Find out more about me, my books, blogs, and how I help writers at www.christinetracy.com

#17 of 30 Poems by Christine Tracy

Daydreamer

I tried. As a child

I tried so hard to pay attention;

to be perfect.

I was labeled "spacey."

My teachers scorned it.

My parents tried to "help" me.

Still, my thoughts wandered to

Somewhere quiet;

Out playing in the snow;

Or at the beach.

Shy. Stuttering. Different.

I was ashamed of being someone

I thought was not enough.

But now that I know how God created me

and what He created me for,

I wouldn’t want to be anyone else.

Daydreams aren't “spacey.”

They are higher dreams than others’ might have because

He dreams with me. He loves the way He made me.

Take me away, Lord, where YOU want.

To other lands, quiet places, and beautiful sights.

Where else would I ever want to be?

Identity Check

About 18 months ago, I was gearing up to start the  planning of my next big event. We'd been putting on the Beautiful Smart Lady Summits in Colorado for seven years and I was excited for the next one.

But something didn't feel right.

When God asked me to take a break for the year and be still - I gasped. We had just moved to Texas, and He thought I needed rest and family for awhile. I was thankful to Him and trusting He knew best. But in the time that followed, I realized my identity had become attached to my ministry work. Here is where I felt validation. Here is where I felt important. Who was I apart from it?

Even when what I do is good, right, and helps people...it can't become who I am. So, I've been auto-correcting during this sabbatical with Papa.

As a result of "time out," I've learned all about living inside the grace of one day; and listening for His voice and doing what He says. 

I don't always succeed in this. But I can say that because I took that time, I have drawn closer to the Lover of my soul.

My true sole and soul identity is simple: I'm His beloved daughter who is listening and fulfilling the ideas that come from His mind by using the gifts He's given me. He's in everything!

Selah!

Matthew 28:20 - "I am with you always; even to the end of the age." 

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.

Remind Your Friends Who They Are

I woke in the middle of the night with the vision of a little boy who had fallen. His mama lovingly picked him up, dusted him off, set him back on his feet, and with a kiss and a pat, sent him on his way.

I feel this is a picture of what everyone needs today. We need to encourage one another, pick each other up, dust each other off, and send each other forward. How? We can do this with the power of our words. Let's call out the gold in each other; remind our friends of their dreams; help them remember who they are and the One they belong to; and speak life into their weary bones and minds.

Our words and encouragement shine like diamonds. Sometimes we can't see for ourselves who we really are. We need someone to tell us.

Perhaps part of our own identity is to be that one that helps another see theirs.

Isaiah 60:1 - Rise up in splendor and be radiant, for your light has dawned and Yahweh's glory now streams from you!

The glory of God is man (and woman) fully alive. St. Irenaeus

Love to all. I'm praying for every one of my readers wherever you are in the world. Let peace reign. You are healed in the mighty Name of Jesus. You are loved by the Love that created this world - the mighty One that will overcome. Just wait and see!

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.

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.

You Matter!

If you are reading this, you need to know that I care about you! I care about who you are, what you think, and what you care about. Too many in this world think they are insignificant, alone, uncared for, and that it is up to them to make it through this life unconnected and unloved. 

Stop it!

There is a Father in Heaven that loves you and cares for you. He is good and He is reaching out for you. How do you know He's there? Ask Him. Look for His love in others. Look at Creation around you. You have significance as His daughter or son. Period. Right now, spend some time experiencing that love. Let go of the lies you believe about God and yourself. Ask Him to reveal His truth. He will. 

Ephesians 1:4-6 - And He chose us to be His very own, joining us to Himself even before He laid the foundation of the universe! Because of His great love, He ordained us as one with Christ from the beginning, so that we would be seen as holy in His eyes with an unstained innocence. For it was always in His perfect plan to adopt us as His delightful children, so that His tremendous grace that cascades over us would bring Him glory - for the same love He has for His Beloved One, Jesus, He has for us! (The Passion Translation - Brian Simmons)

What truth has God revealed to you today?

You are Valuable, Priceless, Cherished

Have you ever found treasures at a rummage sale you would have paid a bunch more for had you seen them elsewhere? Sometimes I think that's how we are with ourselves. We put a small price on our lives and skills that others would look at and value at a much higher price. Today, you are entering a new way of thinking of your life and your identity. You are a valuable, royal child of the Most High God - of infinite value and extraordinarily treasured. Step up - reach higher - see yourself as your wonderful Papa sees you. Beloved, incredibly created, lovely, made for a mighty purpose, thought of before the foundations of this world. You are His dream!

Ephesians 1:4-5 - Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Permission Granted

I was in my twenties when I realized it was OK to be me. Up until then, I tried so hard to fit into the expectations of those I love. I trusted they really knew me; knew what was best; knew what I should do and how I should act and where I should live and what work I should do.

The more I tried to fit in - the more emotionally lost I became. I resisted who I was. I wanted to be smarter, prettier, more successful, more athletic, and fully engaged in relationships and people groups. When I realized everyone was unique and different, including (and especially) me - something snapped and I was flung into a journey of trying to figure out me and give myself permission to be truly me. There were many errors. Many. Thank God I have lifelong friends who always loved me through every season.

Do you need permission? Are you different like me? Did you not quite "fit" into your family or church or people group? 

So here it is - delivered by an older one who wishes someone had said this to me many times until I got it. You have permission to be you - unique, beautiful, created for purpose, and treasured by your Papa - your Creator in Heaven. You are loved and worthy for blessing and love and relationship and goodness. You can be whole and wholly offer yourself to the universe of wonder and miracles. So step forward - be brave - take that risk - stand for who you are - and, yes, love yourself in all your imperfections and goodness.

Ephesians 2:10 - "I am God's workmanship."

March 7 - You Are God's Happy Thought

Do you ever wonder or worry about what others are thinking about you? Stop it! Start believing what God thinks about you. That is the truth…always. Ask Him, then listen. He thinks you’re the best!

"You are God's happy thought." - Leif Hetlund

Psalm 139:13 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Jeremiah 31:3 - "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."

Zephaniah 3:17 - "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."

March 5 - Who Are You?

Just as bandaids make your "owies" better, so the promises of God can take a negative feeling about ourselves and turn it around to remembering who we are and who we belong to. We are not what our past says we are. We are who God says we are. 

You are an adopted child of a good Father; brother and sister of His son, Jesus; heir of the abundance of Heaven; with a destiny to advance the Kingdom of God on Earth through His Holy Spirit. He calls you "friend." (ct)

"For 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." (Jeremiah 29:11)