Declarations - My Christmas Gift to You!

 A bout of several surgeries in a short amount of time had gotten to me. I realized that gradually an insidious monster of bad attitude and negativity had taken over my thought life. It was gradual, robbing my joy.

How often does that happen to you? I know I have the tools to resist it, but sometimes I am sick or weak or it's just easier to let myself fall into it. Kind of a comfort zone.

But it's ugly and hopeless, dark and despairing. It aims to kill and it's straight from the lies of the devil. In ministry school, we were taught over and over and over that the enemy has no power over us except when we believe his lies. His job is to covertly overcome us through lies we think we're telling ourselves. "You're lonely, you're sick, it's going to turn out bad, nothing is going to work, there is only hopelessness to look forward to, you are an imposter, who cares what you think, etc., etc." These are only some of the lies the enemy tries to wield at you and me.

It is so empowering to declare out loud the opposite...the truth. The Bible says to resist the devil and he will flee. How do we resist? One way I do it is to simply declare the promises of God over myself. For example: "My prayers are powerful and effective. God richly supplies all my financial needs. I walk in ever-increasing health. I live under a supernatural protection."

I have attached a link to some of the declarations I love to say daily. When things start to look dismal in my life, I realize I have forgotten this daily discipline.

I encourage you to say these with me every day. Say them out loud. Let your ears hear them. They have the power to change the way we think. Say them enough times, and when that other voice tries to speak lies into your head, you will immediately remember the TRUTH - the promise of who you are, Who you belong to, and why you are here on earth.

Here they are. My Christmas present to you! Daily Declarations from Igniting Hope Ministries. (Steve and Wendy Backlund were some of our amazing teachers at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California.) Click here.

Find these declarations and more in my book "Tapestry, The Divine Design for Your Life." In it you will be given tools to step into your destiny, to restore hope, and to see God's plan for you. Available in print and Kindle versions here: 

What Would Jesus Order?

Jesus walked into the coffee shop the other day and sat down across from me. I think it was in response to my wondering if He drank coffee.

He told me he had some questions for me, too.

“I do like coffee," He responded to my thoughts.

I wondered if he knew about the things I enjoy.

"What is your favorite TV show?" I asked.

“The Voice,” He responded.

“Why?” I pressed.

"Because you love it," He laughed. "I put that in you, you know...that heart and spirit to appreciate music...to be in awe of the gifts I’ve put in others.”

"What about movies?" I asked.

“Lonesome Dove,” He responded.

“I suppose you love chocolate, too," I said.

"Mmmmmm," He closed his eyes. "Yes. I made it for you, you know."

Thinking this was a very unusual conversation, I was quite incredulous at His enthusiasm for normal things that don’t have to do with church or Christian stuff.

I thought I’d trick Him and ask about His favorite author. Surely He would credit Himself, God, and Holy Spirit or sing the praises of the many wonderful writers of the Bible.

“You!” He said.

“Me? What?" I was shocked.

“Yes, you. I appreciate the gifts I’ve put in you. When you use what I’ve given you, you delight me. You are my favorite author!”

I sat in stunned silence, staring at the Hands that fashioned the universe.

 Jesus got up and ordered a Grandé Caramel Mocha.

Chris Tracy's book, Tapestry - The Divine Design For Your Life is available now at Amazon.com

Psalm 91 - A Promise of Protection

What If? Can we Believe the God of the Angel Armies?

What if everything we did was with the knowledge that God was with us – our protector, fortress, provider, king, and commander in chief of the angel armies?

What if we and our armed forces went into battle, faced giants, and took leaps of risk proclaiming “for God and Country,” knowing the One who was by our side?

What if, when we prayed, we truly understood the real Healer, Jesus, was anointing and sending our prayer with His oil of goodness, life, and hope?

What if we taught our children about this amazing Father in Heaven in a way that gave them permission to call upon His name wherever they are? Where-ever they are!

What if our nation remembered…remembered its call and foundation…remembered its identity in the Kingdom of God…remembered its purposes to defend, protect, and advance freedom?

What if we showed a force like the armies of Joshua, David and Gideon that was so full of God that their very advance and surprising strategies caused the fearful enemy to retreat, fall, and surrender without a fight?

What if a country understood there are mighty battalions of  angels waiting for their orders?

What if?

It can happen. It did happen.

See Psalms 46, 47, and 48.

Do you want to learn how to hear God? Read how He taught me in my book, Tapestry. Available at Amazon.

Bravo, God, Bravo! Walking My Canon

Autumn on Grand Mesa - Western Colorado
Chris Tracy Photography

I used to walk Butch, and Cooper, and Brutus, and Brody. I loved the dogs of my life who were always happy to go!

Now, I walk my camera. Well, I walk with my camera. It sits on my table wagging its lens and panting - beckoning me to take it wherever I venture. It seems to have a life of its own. When my camera is in my hand, I see things I wouldn't see without it. When I walk around my neighborhood, I like to take pictures of flowers, mailboxes, trees, life, seasons, sunsets, rain puddles, and whatever else seems beautiful to me. I post many of my photos on Facebook and blogs in hopes that others might appreciate where we all get to live.

When I am up in the mountains, my buddy around my neck, I have a different focus than if I didn't have my camera. I watch, I sing, I smell, I listen, I crunch through leaves, and get my shoes muddy and soon I come upon something carved on a tree or reflected in the lake, or grazing in a meadow. Sunlight, shadows, contrasts, colors, clouds, all just thrill me because I know they are waiting there just for me to notice.

So what is my type of artist to do with this? Why is this so exciting for me? What is this passion? How can I share it? How can I make a living with it? Or should I? Is art more for the enjoyment of the artist - a relationship of love from Creator to creator? Am I just called on this earth to appreciate the grand Artist and to help others do the same through my art? Is our passion our calling? I think it could be. Or it provides the means and tools to accomplish our calling.

With all my love I share these photos with you, my readers. Have a wonderful day!

Bravo, God, Bravo! Everyone join in the great shout: Encore! In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might. Psalm 96:7 - The Message

For more photos and a daily inspirational prophetic word, also visit my blog:

Crisp Mountain Air!

My book, Tapestry - The Divine Design for Your Life - is available at

Amazon!!!!

When I Learned to Ski on TV for Free

Run after your dreams.
God will make a way!

When I was a little girl, my favorite spot in our cold Wisconsin home was in front of the heater vent in our living room. I would sit there and enjoy the dry heat on my backside while doing homework, reading, or watching cartoons after school.

When I turned 10, I learned to ski there. My one desire in life at that time was to ski. I had no boots, no skis, no poles, no way to get to a ski hill – just a desire.

To my delight, I found ski lessons on Milwaukee PBS Channel 10. There, in the comfort of my little spot on the floor, I learned to strap my equipment on, position myself in a snowplow, and glide down a gentle bunny slope in front of my black and white TV console. Soon I learned to make a turn, how to fall, and how to stop. So mesmerized was I that my parents understood my heart’s desire and by the time I was 13 I had my own equipment and was enrolled in the Blizzard Ski School, riding the rope tows, t-bars, and chairlifts of such wondrous 1964 Milwaukee area hills as Alpine Valley, Little Switzerland, and Wunderburg. I truly felt like I was in heaven

Ski lessons were fun and I quickly advanced in rank, with stripes for my jacket to prove my amazing ability. Could my early TV lessons have made a difference? There is something about mental training. Visualizing where you want to be and going through the motions to get there. As a young girl, I didn’t know about these things. All I wanted was to learn and I found a way to do it.

Is there something that is in your heart? Are you thinking that your age, education, ability, finances, situation, or your family are keeping you from it? Do you say things like “someday I’ll have that,” “someday when things are different, maybe….”? I am here to tell you to stop it! Start today. Find a way to teach yourself. With internet and books and people there are many ways to climb those ranks and get stripes on your jacket. Ask God for wisdom and creative strategies. Watch for divine appointments to come your way. Your heart, passion, and desire are attractive to those who carry what you want. Step into it. Call yourself what you want to be.

At 10 in front of my heater and an old TV, I believed I was a great skier before I ever tried. I just did it.

God will make a way! Have fun!

I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)

Let me tell you more stories! My book, Tapestry, is available now on Amazon! Click!

Crisp Mountain Air: August 27 - Fresh Focus

Crisp Mountain Air: August 27 - Fresh Focus: Some idea or new adventure is taking flight today and coming into focus. "With God, all things are possible....

Love Truly Conquers All

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13.

I have friends like this. Friends who would do this for me and friends I would do this for. They include lifelong friends, family,  and my best friend, my husband.


But what does it mean? It's not complicated. It's just that love overcomes. Love makes all the difference. Love truly conquers all.

It can change self absorption that leads to depression into awareness, thankfulness, and compassion for others in our life - an intentional gift that brings healing not only to others but to ourselves.

Love overcomes sadness and brings joy. The touch of love fills a gray day with color. Love tickles and sparkles and glistens and glitters and permeates. Like osmosis, it invades loneliness and brings the lonely into families. Love is a catalyst and is contagious. It inspires, takes risks, and can slay the monsters in our lives that would keep us from where we want to go...what we want to do...and who we want to be.

Love is an encourager, a cheerleader, a best friend. Love is noticeable - in a glance, a voice, and in a laugh. As missionary Heidi Baker says "Love looks like something." It compels and motivates, heals, and never stops giving - both to the receiver and the giver. Love is a verb, an action word. It is something we all need and all need to give. It softens the giver so the gift can be received. It strengthens the receiver so the heart can be enlarged.

Love triggers romance, and romance triggers love. It is the one divine gift that is never taken back and always multiplies. It is a kindness and devotion and true food that every human craves and every human was given the capacity to give.

Love bestows identity. It turns a pauper into a prince or princess, opens us up to the inheritance of abundance, sets us on our feet, pats us on the head, and sends us out the door with a hug and kiss and a "you can do it." It embraces us in security, warmth, and light. It fills dark corners of our soul with a never ending supply of hope. It assures us that it is going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay.

Today, I want my friends to know that I would lay down my life for them. I live because of them. The food that feeds me is to encourage my friends and bring them hope. When I am this person, doing these things, I am happy. I am at peace. I am in love.

My Happy Places

Do you have happy places? You know...those places that make you feel alive and healthy and exhilarated? Where you know you could be happy living out the rest of your days? Where you know - you just know - that you were created to be? I would love to know about your happy places. Meanwhile, can I tell you about mine? Here is my list:
• Skiing a high glade on a blue sky day at Mary Jane (Winter Park Resort - Colorado).
• Biking next to the wide Sacramento River in Redding, California on a brilliant and colorful fall day.
• Being caught up with a boogie board on a big wave in Maui.
• Sitting in a quiet "fort" by myself with only a pen and notebook in a cove at Little St. Germain Lake in Wisconsin.
• Wading on the shore of Lake Michigan, letting the cold waves, the sand, and the lake air fill me.
• Hiking with family on Elliott's Ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, Colorado, - the fresh, thin air, the sun on my face, the wildflowers abundant...
• Cross country skiing on Coyote Run at Latigo Ranch in Colorado.
• Fishing at Mesa Lakes on a crispy spring morning on Grand Mesa in Colorado.
• Riding my horse on the trails of Gore Pass north of Kremmling, Colorado.
• Walking my dog at sunset near our old family home on Gore Pass.
• Sitting in the cold and drinking hot coffee at sunrise, watching with my husband for that buck.
• Walking after a rainstorm and experiencing the scent of pine and sage, and spotting rainbows - again, Gore Pass, Colorado.
   I like the dusty old-time atmosphere of a rodeo and the sounds of our horses and cattle on a crisp morning cattle drive. I like the mustiness of a newsroom with the tap-taps of an old typewriter, and I miss the chemical smell of the darkroom. I like old George Strait songs and the wonderful invitation of cinnamon rolls from my oven. I miss warming my backside by a wood stove. I love the laughs of a baby and the happy squeals of children. I love the ring of a phone with a loved one on the other end. I love my mother's old letters that sit in my hope chest.
   As Rick and I look at another life change with new jobs and moving, it's nice to remember I have lived in places I have loved and I carry them with me still!
   I declare and decree I will find a new happy place soon, where I can breathe content in knowing I live right in its center.
   Thank you for letting me go on this journey with you today! What place makes you happy?

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 NIV

The Best Breakfast Ever!

  

   We had been fishing since before dawn without a single bite. Maybe the water was too warm. Maybe we weren’t trying hard enough. Perhaps we were simply content to just float and watch the sunrise in silence.

   When the mist cleared, we noticed someone on the beach. "How's the fishing?" he shouted. My friend, Pete, heard him suggest we cast out in another direction. We thought, what the heck, we’ll try. To our surprise, the fish were hitting and before we knew it, we had caught our limit. We took up the anchor and headed to shore.

   The man on the beach was bending over a campfire and we could smell the fresh bread he was baking in a dutch oven. Pretty soon we heard the sizzling of fish in the pan and we realized just how hungry we were. The man smiled and waved and invited us to bring some fish and join him. All of a sudden Pete cried out, took off his shirt, and jumped in the water to swim to shore. The rest of us rowed in and pulled the boat onto the sand. Crazy Pete - we were all thinking.

    We walked over to the campfire, and there, to our utter shock, cooking breakfast for us, was the friend we had watched die just a few days earlier. Were we dreaming? He was joking and talking as if nothing had happened, and he warmly greeted us.

   Our friend was alive. He was alive! And he was making us breakfast! Pete sat next to him, weeping. What was this? What happened? All we knew was that the joy and love felt greater than ever – and our hopelessness and grief were now turned to hope and laughter. Jesus was really here.

   When he died, we grieved that things would never be the same again.

And now that we knew he was alive, we were - and are - sure of an even greater truth which sounds the same but means so much more:

   Things...will...never...be...the same...again!

My book, "Tapestry," is available at Amazon.com. It, too, will give you nourishment of the soul!  Click here for information and to order: Tapestry