“Stop hiding and swim your own swan song, by using the unique gift God gave you. He desires to truly know you because you are beautifully made.” ~ Tracy Worley

The 7^th day of Christmas there are seven swans a swimming. This is something I can relate to, the swans are doing exactly what they are made for: swimming with grace and style.

You and I are made in God’s image. When I was a little girl this scared me; what image am I going to see in the mirror? Surely it would not be the cute blue-eyed, curly blonde haired cutie but a reflection of some burley man with all-knowing eyes.

Having someone who truly knows me scares the little me…and the big me. And I am sure it scares some of you too. To have someone who truly knows you from the inside out. Those hidden vaults of guilt, shame, ego, pride, anger, and the list goes on, and I am sure you have a few to fill in too. Someone knows what is inside of the vaults and who or what created them.

• Why do we hide?
• Why can we not swim with beautiful grace as the swans naturally do?
• Where do we pick up the vaults and not step up and out into doing exactly what God has made us for?

The short answer to the questions above is that we live in a fallen world. The enemy has capitalized on this and makes hay with it. Some feel shame to stand out in their graceful swim like the swans do. Take some time and really reflect on the previous statement. There are billions of dollars made and paid to keep us shiny and new in the eyes of the world but not in the eyes of our creator.

What would your confidence look like if you knew the man in the mirror? I know my confidence grows every time I spend time in prayer and God’s Word. The biggest benefit is I no longer fear seeing him through my eyes and vice-versa.

I encourage you to start pealing back society’s layers of “have to” fit in. Break free in your own graceful gifts. Swim and sing your own swan song!

Look Up and Out,

Tracy Worley

“Consistent steps will bring you to the finish line of success. Be flexible in the time-frame because there is no such thing as an overnight success” ~ Tracy Worley

The 6^th day of Christmas is six Geese a-laying. I still wonder what they are a-laying. Some say it is the six days of creation.

You are a work in progress. Have you ever started a project thinking it would take two hours and it took two weeks? Oh boy, I have certainly created mayhem with projects. I am currently working on a video project that is two years when I thought it would take two weeks. It is our goal to have it launched by first quarter of 2017.

The thought and love we put into projects always shows and gives us bigger dividends than the blood, sweat, and tears to finish. We are all continual works in progress; even God’s creation as we know it took six days, and he is stilling refining us and the world. Through Christ we are in this world but not of it. “The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don’t. I choose you to come out of the world…(John 15:19 NLT).”

I encourage you to not let small problems to get in the way of creating the life you deserve and desire. God desires this for you too; it just may take longer to create than initially thought.

Look Up and Out,

Tracy Worley

“Listen to your heart’s message using the outline of the golden rings: joy, peace, wisdom, knowledge, and love.” ~ Tracy Worley

The 5^th day of Christmas is symbolized by five golden rings. I have always had a vision of jewelry.  In further examination some say it is the golden rings of Pheasant necks depicted in nativity scenes.

Five rings prompted me to favor a new outline for prayer, taking me from the shadows of fear into the light of but not of this world. On the 1^st day of Christmas post I wrote about the shadows.

Here is an order of prayer I have used and it fits nicely within 5 Golden Rings:

1. Joy: Adoration / Thankfulness
2. Peace: Repent (what I know, and show what I have done)
3. Wisdom: Petition / Supplication
4. Knowledge: The Word (dig into a Scripture, I try to find a fitting Scripture for my prayer time)
5. Love: Adoration / Thankfulness of time spent with Him

I do not have daily “aha moments” with God, but I do know from my experience and leading others through study He is listening.

Have you ever had the same message given to you through print, multiple people, radio, etc…? Perhaps this is God’s calling card; there is something you are to apply, change, or teach.  Sometimes it is to compound interest of your foundation in knowledge.

Grab the golden rings to your royal seat in the throne room with God.

Look Up and Out,

Tracy Worley

It’s the 4^th day of Christmas, and calling birds are calling. What are calling birds, and why are they calling?  We all know the song, but do we intentionally answer when God is calling?  Do we intentionally pick up the prayer wire and call God? A calling bird calls for their mate, and other birds sing to mark territory. Songs are sharing the gift of the sweet serenade of nature.

This is not a supernatural statement, but one of intention. Our first inclination in daily life should start with adoration and thanksgiving. Why? Adoration and thanksgiving takes our mind, heart, and soul out of ourselves and into communion with God.  Living in life out of ourselves also creates stronger relationships with those who are in your life.

I challenge you to test your current circumstance (reality) in prayer, creating an increased confidence in God. Calling and inviting God in prayer opens an abundance of joy, peace, grace, and hope. Find your serenade of calling.

I am not saying life is perfect as we will experience difficulties in our circumstances. Martin Luther shares a wonderful statement from the Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer; Thy Will be Done. “Grant us grace to bear willingly all sorts of sickness, poverty, disgrace, suffering, and adversity and to recognize that in this your divine will is crucifying our will.”

The serenade of your calling will change within your circumstances. We are given the gift of prayer and adoration, and the moanings and groanings of despair. God is open to your cries; trust that he hears them.

Look Up and Out,

Tracy Worley

“Willingness to push yourself out of the shadow and into the light is hard work. But that work leads to perseverance and the life you have been created for.” ~ Tracy Worley

The 3rd day of Christmas three French Hens are presented. Some say the hens are symbols of self-sacrifice such as Jesus is the sacrifice for the whole world.

Your life and my life is not an accident, you have a purpose! Our reality is what we are willing to see, feel, and walk to. I want to encourage you to not be afraid to walk through into the light of your purpose. It will not be perfect, it will be scary and trust me if you are not scared then you are on the wrong path.

Our hearts are in disorder with what society says we need to be, say, or do. I am pounding on the keys as I say this; you are worth so much more, and have so much more to offer!

Take comfort in the Christ of the Christmas season; He has your back! Move forward with the intention of no longer living in the shadows. Live free in your gifts and talents, given by grace.

Look Up and Out,

Tracy Worley

“Free to be me! God may I get out of my own way and step out of the shadow of fear into your light of grace and redemption. Set me free to be authentic.” ~ Tracy Worley

The 2^nd day of Christmas we woke to a glorious sunrise and the day is bright with sunshine, making the snow glisten with the power of the sun’s light. I believe this is how God is in our life, he shines his light through and upon us; we need to get out of our own way and into the light of truth.

To be honest, I struggle with being authentic. When I walk out of the shadows of doubt and into my God given talent the light feels beautiful, comfortable, and dare I say euphoric. Then the shadow creeps in with the whispering:

• Who do you think you are?
• What makes you important enough to do what you do?
• You just made a complete jerk of yourself, better stop now.
• Fill in the blank_______.

There are so many ways the enemy sneaks into our minds, heart, and soul. I ENCOURAGE you to not only do this for yourself but also for your spouse, children, family, friends, peers, coworkers, and community. What should you do?  Pray this prayer and feel and see the difference in the minds, heart, and souls surrounding you.

God, I find myself comfortable in the shadows of fear, because I do not bring attention to self. I find discomfort and self-judgement. I do not know you God because I am in the way. I ask for light to shine my way and the grace to be authentic. Let me live in the freedom of being what you made me to be.

Look Up and Out,

Tracy Worley

“God make my mind clear, clean, and help me find where to break free into the light by shedding fear.” ~ Tracy Worley

The first day of Christmas is in celebration of the incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Most of us enjoy the day; as a day off of our regular routine, work, great meals and spending time with family and friends.

This year my husband Tim and I have had an amazing miracle of bringing a bright too smart for his own good twelve-year old into our hearts and home. The first day of Christmas was spent in our jammies enjoying the giggles and heart of a young one. Even our cat Meow Meow Kitty Kitty and our two Border Collies, Jill and Kimber, joined in the adventure of wrapping paper mayhem.

As I sink back into the depth of our leather couch my mind went to God in gratitude of the blessings of the 12 Days of Christmas. Then doubt started to touch the back of my neck; the familiar nemesis of anxiety and fear; of “I am not good enough.”

Often we spend time in the shadows of self –doubt:
• I am not good enough.
• They will find out I am not all “that”.
• What if I shine too brightly, they will all hate me.

Let me start off by saying in Christ’s righteousness you are good enough! It is the shadows of the enemy that keep you in doubt, refrain of trying something new, or stepping out into your authentic God-given purpose.

God sent us wonderful grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Embrace His loveliness and beauty of a gracious heart for the one he loves is you!
Look Up and Out,
Tracy Worley