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

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Something Stirring

There's something stirring. Something rising.

I'm recalling the joy of working with my hands; the places it takes my mind; and the pleasure of new projects.

I've been knitting a hat, journaling with a pen, planning to sew, and to pick up my guitar. I'm toying with ideas to make my home shout "Welcome." My husband and I are fancying fun ways to celebrate.

Thoughts are invading. Will I bake sourdough bread again? How can I add snow to my Texas Christmas decorations? Will I discover a joyful way to birth the book that's been simmering in me for far too long?

The loveliness of this little Texas city is inspiring, and I have found joy today talking to an elderly neighbor; meeting a new young friend; and wondering if there are others who might be looking to connect with someone like me.

It's one of those wake-up days that sing my heart open, and I feel grateful.

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

Mountain Girl

Many of my friends know I've been homesick for Colorado. I wasn't born there. But from the first moment I experienced the Rocky Mountains up close and personal, my heart found its home. Have you ever felt like that?

Now I live in Texas and what makes it beautiful to me is my precious family. But recently, as I was praying for God to take away this yearning for snow, golden aspen leaves, old friends, and crisp mountain air - I sensed him saying "no."

I realized He put that in me. This special love. This passion. I believe I have permission to still call Colorado home. And so I will.

"You fill up my senses, like a night in the forest; like the mountains in Springtime; like a walk in the rain...." - John Denver (Our wedding song, Annie's Song.)

More Grace

We are all imperfect people raised by imperfect people who were raised by imperfect people. That’s why God created, offered, and sent grace. I want to learn more fully how to both extend it and receive it. I am thankful to those who extend it toward me.

"Learn to live inside the grace of one day." - Paul Young, author of The Shack

Planting Seeds in Late Fall

My friend, Dianne, posted this picture on Facebook the other day and it really moved me. Being a Colorado mountain girl, I'm used to growing season being long over by October. Dianne explained they planted the seeds in mid-August and had loads of blooms right now. This photo was taken Oct. 15. I love gardening and I've had some beautiful gardens, but I've never even thought about planting seeds in August. Now that I live in Texas, I need to enlarge my thinking.

So, I just planted a few sunflower seeds I had left over from Spring. Could I even hope they might bloom in mid-December?

My life is like that, in a way. I think I can't possibly start or learn something new (plant seeds) at this late season of life. It's too late to find success. Too late to be better. Too late to get more healthy and fit. But if this brave sunflower can bloom in October, I can too. I can dream new dreams; make 3 year and 30 year goals for my life; and feel free and as beautiful as this butterfly - also in its final season.

So can you, my friend.

Here's an interesting article about butterflies, as well as my favorite Bible verse right now. Photo credits to Dianne Fowler

https://a-z-animals.com/blog/how-long-do-monarch-butterflies-live/

Psalms 92:14 - They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green. (NIV)

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Flower Power

In spite of the extreme heat in Texas, my garden has chosen to live, be happy, and to bloom as long as I water it every day and feed it once in awhile. In a world where there's lots to worry about, I love to take time to learn from my flowers.

They make me think about life's goodness.

They make me want to bloom and to have a happy heart.

They make me want to believe the best about my life and my world.

They give me hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Let joy be your continual feast.

When God Says "Rest"

Has God ever asked you to begin a season of rest? I felt Him nudging me that way this past Spring. I had been busy with editing, coaching, and ministry for several months without much time for me; or Him. 

That rest time opened up in June and has not ended yet. I find myself sometimes feeling lazy, as if that's wrong. Several times I returned to my old habit of filling up space with busy work; or planning to teach classes; or planning a new book.

Each time, God sent me clear messages through the Bible, through my husband, through friends, and dreams. He was saying "What are you doing? Do you not trust me to provide? Do you not trust me to give you your next assignment? It shook me up a bit every time that happened. He has my attention.

The season ahead seems to be brand new. A blank slate. I'm resting up for what I have said "yes" to, though I don't know what that is.

I do know I can trust it's going to be in line with the passions of my heart. He's so good!

That picture above is my Daisy girl. She models rest very well. 

Psalm 127:2 - God can provide for his lovers even while they sleep! (TPT)