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

Hunger vs. Satisfaction

Every morning, my husband, Rick, and I have coffee, read, and converse about what we're learning. We study in our little reading nook while cuddling with our aussie-doodle Daisy, just enjoying the early hours. I love these times. Anne of Green Gables calls mornings "a new day with no mistakes in it."                                 I want to talk about this hunger we have to learn. We weren't always like this. Before, we wanted satisfaction; contentment; and peace. But this kind of hunger we have is for a God who has built that hunger into us himself. It seeks truth, creativity, hope, and adventure. There are no negatives in this type of hunger. This is not striving for something unreachable. It is not the hunger of poverty. What it is is a reveling in the presence of a Person we love - and we just always want more.

Psalm 84:2 - "Deep within me are these lovesick longings,

desires and daydreams of living in union with you.
When I’m near you my heart and my soul
will sing and worship with my joyful songs of you,
my true source and spring of life!"

Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has also set eternity in the human heart."

Stir up your own hunger for God! My book, "Tapestry, the Divine Design for Your Life" will help you. Available on Amazon in print and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3li0dNn

Momentum

Life doesn't wait till pandemics are over, the election is decided, or the crisis of the moment is solved. It just keeps going. The good thing about this season is, I have slowed enough to feel the wind of progress blowing softy against my face. I am taking the time to seek wisdom, counsel, and to make good decisions. There is a clarity in the atmosphere despite the smoke and fear and anxiety that seems to be trying to take us out at any moment.

I keep hearing the words "think higher." "Think outside the box." "See from the perspective of the Throne Room of God." "Say yes and see what happens." "New opportunities are here." "Step in, step forward, trust God."

When I turn off the news and tune into God, I hear a different story. It may not be clear. He hasn't shown me what's ahead. But there is an assurance of promises kept because that is who He is! He has great things ahead for this nation if we will only watch for Him in anticipation and trust.

This is an exciting time if we position our hearts to see it.

"Keep looking up...that's the secret of life." Snoopy

Chris Tracy is author of Tapestry: The Divine Design for Your Life; and The Art of Writing - An Intimate Devotional for Writers.

Find my books and more at www.christinetracy.com and Amazon

Jumping the Gun

Did you ever make a decision on what you thought you heard from God, only to find resistance or even failure? Did you ever get ahead of God's purposes and then take the wrong turn? I have. We all have. What does it mean to wait on God? Why is it important? How do we know if He is leading?

God promises to be with us always. He loves when we pray and when we listen to His voice. He speaks in many ways, sometimes through other people. Staying close, being patient, and waiting on Him seem best, yet sometimes, he's nudging and we're not noticing. Sometimes He speaks and we misinterpret.

More often than we'd like to admit, we take a risk and step out in the wrong direction. Does he honor that? Yes. He wastes nothing. Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things (ALL THINGS) work together for good. You may delay what He meant for today - but that doesn't mean you have the power to prevent it.

God delights in us and lights our path. He directs our steps. He is the divine strategist. We, his beloved children, cannot fail if He is in our plans.

God is proud of you. There is enough grace in each day to empower both your successes and to help you overcome your wrong turns.

Proverbs 16:9 - Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

www.christinetracy.com

Summit Talk #2 - an interview with Vanessa Stiefel

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

A Blessing of Solitude

I actually slowed down enough the other morning to put down my phone, my Bible, my laptop, and my work. I turned off my brain, sat outside, and simply listened.

The multitude of bird songs felt like a cacophony of love.

When I tuned in to one special bird above me perched in a dead tree, I counted at least eight different trills.

That was what was so different this time. I actually quieted down enough to think about counting the trills of a mockingbird.

The peace and joy his songs carried assured me things would turn out okay for us...for all of us.

That bird had no idea how his presence blessed me and changed me - probably forever.

I want to be like that bird...where my "songs" of life can bring joy and peace to others.

God is so kind to send me a songbird to bless my solitude.

Psalm 104:12-13 - The birds build nests near the tranquil streams, chirping their joyous songs from the branches above. From your kindness you send the rain to water the mountains from the upper rooms of your palace. Your goodness brings forth fruit for all to enjoy. (TPT)