Monday, November 18, 2013

Inspired by Champions


My Rick and my mountains!
Photo by Chris Tracy
I know some amazing men and women from all ages and walks. Some are known - others not. Why do I find them amazing?  They are being who they were created to be. They took a risk. They climbed a mountain. They slew a giant. They paid a dear price. Above all, they trusted God. 
One person is leading a worldwide movement; one has the ear of government leaders around the world; one has changed the way we think about our prayer life; one has changed the way I think about health and my body; one has been transformed in thought and faith before my eyes; one has overcome and is faithfully forging ahead and not letting the past affect the future; some have written books; some are following dreams; others have invented business strategies or things that will improve life; still others have sacrificed all to serve with compassion people who don’t know yet who they are or Who they belong to.
These people are my heroes. If I were a scribe used by God to write a Bible for today’s times, many of them would be in it with all their stories of strife, mistakes, and victory. These average, humble individuals have paid the price for me to believe in my own dreams, and I pray the price I pay will open doors for those around me.
Our lives are but a breath on this earth. I want to live my years without regrets. I want to be brave. I choose to trust God, believing for every possibility and promise. I have been championed by greatness. Now I want to champion greatness in others.

Here is a Thanksgiving gift for you! Listen to this message by Pastor Bill Johnson on wisdom, and how to steward blessing. It just may be one of the most important messages of your life!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

None Get Through This Life Unscathed



I call this photo "I think I can, I think I can, I did!"
I also call it "Hope."
Photo by Chris Tracy
I hope that headline isn't a surprise to you. I just thought I needed to remind myself.
So...what is the purpose of problems, tragedies, losses, and sadness?
My answer? I don't know, but here is what I think:
This is one of those contrasts I talk about in my book - Tapestry. Like a tapestry, our life is a lovely piece of art - with beautiful experiences that offset very hard, dark ones. The balance creates contrast, balance, depth, and a beautiful story that God writes in each of our life experiences.
The purpose? I think it is to show other people that there is always hope. I think it is so grandpas and grandmas can speak from the strength of their experience to their children and grandchildren in a loving way that says..."it will be okay." I think it is a way we defeat the enemy of our lives; that no matter what, we survive, we hope, we love God, we believe, we know that we are conquerors and are loved by a Creator who assures us of life abundant. I am so thankful to Jesus for showing us the way.
How do we cope? We cope in our mind. Are we going to believe the lies of the enemy or the promises of our Father God? Are we going to live a life of misery and regret, or an existence of victory and joy? We get to choose. That choice affects everyone in our lives. I choose victory and joy. How about you?

My book: Tapestry - The Divine Design For Your Life will bring you new hope of your purpose and your identity. You can buy a paperback or digital download at www.christinetracy.tateauthor.com or Amazon.com. Preview my book free right here: Click on the picture of the book.