Hello, and welcome.
I am Tracy, the woman of Woman.Faith.Words.
I began blogging in March of 2009 at the encouragement of my husband. He wanted me to write a family blog but, after my quiet time one morning, I told him that I needed to write down the lessons that I was being taught. I never dreamed that I would have so much to say. It thrills me to be a part of this conversation.
I am a native Texan, transplanted to the deserts of the Southwest. As long as God lets us stay here, we will. It gives me a new appreciation for the beautiful in the unusual. That sums up life, also, don’t you think? We all have ups and downs, joys and trials. It is what we do with it that makes our character complete. Looking for God in the mundane, the desert, the unlovely.
So, I am looking up and writing down. Looking up to the Father from the middle of this world. Scribbling down what He teaches me.
This is my husband. I had a crush on him years before we got married, and journals don’t lie.
Just like Eve, I was presented to Him at the right time. Married now for almost five years, he has taught me to love, trust, dream, be brave, and be humble. He is the most generous gift the Father has given me. I love him more than I thought I could.
Directly related to that topic, I recently “produced a man with the help of the Lord” (borrowed from Genesis 4:1, NRSV). What can I say about this? How much time do you have? He is our wonderment, our joy, and our challenge. I found a new kind of love with this little guy. I say all of this while running interference between his hands and the keyboard. Motherhood has taught me how to type with one hand.
We share the house with Maggie and Tess (We lost Sam in September of 2010). Pet lovers will understand the attachment we have to these girls. Maggie (a Black Lab, aka: the Love) is 13, and Tess (a lovely terrier mix, aka: the Former Baby) is a bouncing four year old. Each of them spell sheer pleasure for us. They are our friends, our companions, and our pets.
This is my bible. It sits in its cover, unattached to the binding. Coffee deposited on the first page of Mark inspired my husband to write, “Identification Mark. This Bible Property of Tracy.” I have been known to drop a few things.
When I read the bible, I need to interact with it. I have colored pencils that scream for me to underline and emphasize. The darker it is, the more I need to hear it. My bible is the road map of my life. I sit with it every morning, cleansing, cleansing, and asking directions. There is nothing in life that I need more than this time in relationship.
Through my church, I speak publicly when asked, teach whenever I can, and I jump at the chance to sit across from a woman who wants to talk about faith. These are my favorite relationships. It is similar to what we do here.
My journey to seminary came out of these discussions. It led me to my calling of almost ten years in women’s ministry. A few years ago, my efforts expanded to high school girls, proving that God is not interested in my opinion. I mentor, and they keep me barely relevant and challenged. Unexpectedly, it has proven symbiotic. Predictably, they have won my heart.
My experience has been shaped by these joys, but the indelible marks have come from life that happens. I talk about both on this blog.
Woman.
Faith.
Words.
All to the glory of God, which is His own.
I am glad that you stopped by. Make yourself at home, and drop me a note. I would love to hear your words, too.
Blessings.
