Build or Be? - Part 2

You have done all you can do. You’ve taken the classes, you’ve put yourself out there; you’ve become who you want to be and nothing seems to be happening. No calls; no job offers; no money; no place to work.

The Bible says when you have done all you can do then stand and wait. Wait on the Lord. He put His dreams in us and partners with us to make them happen. The timing is always right. In the meantime, enjoy what you love. Work where you can. Stay open. Listen for His prompts. 

God’s promises to you are solid and true. There are so many verses I could write here for you but I feel like you need to grab your Bible and do an internet search on verses He brings to your mind. I’d use key words like God, dreams, promises, grace, provision, and protection. 

“Learn to live inside the grace of one day.” - Paul Young - Author of The Shack

Confession: I write these things for me, too. In the writing, my courage is strengthened and my belief deepens.

My books on Amazon.

Build or Be? Take off. Part 1

You’ve taken all the classes. Read all the books. Even gotten certified in something or have a degree on a diploma on your wall. Yet you feel unqualified; like you have to take more classes and learn much more.

I was that way. It took years to believe I was a writer even though I was a reporter for a newspaper and had a journalism degree.

When I finally decided to start calling myself a writer. It was hard. But I had to become what I already was.

When will the right time be for you?

Are you going to keep building it or begin living it?

If not now when?

If not you, who?

Is it time to step out and just be and do your dream?

I will answer for you. "Yes, it's time!" Have fun!

Find Chris Tracy's books on Amazon.

“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

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Still This Little Girl

This is me! My bike is decorated for the Fourth of July with crepe paper streamers and a 48-star flag.

I was called Kiki. I grew up in this home on Lake Bluff Boulevard in Shorewood, Wisconsin. It was the house my grandpa purchased new in 1926 and where my mom and my aunt grew up and where their young mom tragically succumbed to spinal meningitis .

This picture was taken within 10 years of my dad fighting in World War II. The Korean War, the Cold War, and the polio epidemic were all happening at the time this picture was taken. Sonic booms were normal. The threat of nuclear war was imminent. These were threats this little girl was thankfully oblivious to.

Soon we would get our first television. After it rained, my little brother and I would play with sticks in the sidewalk cracks and make mud pies. Summers were spent at Atwater Beach where my mom and I loved to find colorful smooth stones washed up by the waves of Lake Michigan.

My grandma lived downtown and took the bus to visit us on weekends. My grandpa lived two blocks away.

At the age of 3, my family was my world. Now, at 72, my family is still my world.

I keep this little picture on my desk to remind me of who I am. I'm still this little one - full of dreams and play and hope and imagination.  If I could speak to her from 2023, I would tell her:

• Keep looking forward.
• You will fail and mess up, but you will be ok.
• Never stop learning.
• Be thankful.
• Life goes by fast. Embrace every moment.
• Be kind.
• Don't be afraid to be who you are.
• You are special.
• You have never been alone.
• You are greatly loved.
• You are brave and strong.
• Follow your heart.
• Stand for what you believe.
• You are a gentle, quiet warrior.
• You will have adventures.
• Dream big and bigger.
• God already knows you.

Check my website for information about my books and blogs and life. www.christinetracy.com

Poem: Friends Who Dream

Dreaming with friends

The shouts of revelation

The laughter of wild ideas

The hope of what could be.

"What ifs?" are answered

Imagination grows wings

And something takes shape

And is released and gives joy.

This is the happy place I find myself

Where anything seems possible

A little wine opens new lands

And what was deep

in only one person’s mind

Comes to surface amidst cheers.

And goes farther than any

one friend thought possible.

We are not meant to dream alone.

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Never Alone

"How did you meet Jesus?” the radio host asked me on his live morning show. I wasn’t expecting the question, but I had a ready answer that I have never said before.

“It’s more like Jesus met me,” I said, “when I was little and special.”

He had always been right there. There on the beach. There in my garden. There in my school room. There in the snow fort. There in the sweet joys of childhood and nature. I may not have realized it then, but now, thinking back, I can see.

Thank you for reading my blogs. I have two. The other blog is www.bssmadventures.blogspot.com. Also, find my books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-Tracy

You Are Much More Than a "Friend"

I'm lucky to have many creative friends. My brain wants to plan things for them and help them grow and reach people with their delightful gifts. Most of these friends don’t even realize the power and beauty of what they carry. I want to celebrate them and tell them "you not only do and create, but you ARE!"

You ARE poetry.

You ARE a song.

You ARE your book.

You ARE an event.

You ARE a word.

You ARE love.

You ARE hope.

You ARE beauty.

You ARE story.

You ARE music.

You ARE strength.

My friends, you give all of these to me in the relationship of friendship and I am so grateful.