Beyond Thankfulness

Colossians 3:17  “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Our American friends are finishing up their turkey along with a weekend of thankfulness and family, probably laced with some football thrown in. For anyone who follows the CFL, you will also know that today is 'Grey Cup Sunday' - our version of the 'Superbowl'. In our house, Grey Cup Sunday is a big deal. We always savour the game with good food and fellowship, even if our team isn't involved. 

The theme of thankfulness, kindness, and gratefulness permeates the media at this time of year, all leading up to that crowning celebration called Christmas. Peace on earth and good will toward men seem doable, despite life's obstacles or unstable world affairs. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could maintain this positive outlook all year long?

For those of us who know Christ on an intimate level, it is possible. Jesus isn't only the 'reason for the season', but He is the reason for everything. Let's keep this sense of wonder always in focus, not only for the next thirty days, but right through the next 365 - and beyond.

Blessings.

Tracy Krauss lives and writes in northern BC, where she and her husband of nearly 34 years try to celebrate life and God's goodness all year long. Visit her website: tracykrauss.com - fiction on the edge without crossing the line -  

Reaching Your Readers by Tracy Krauss

Ever wonder why one person finds a book boring while someone else finds it fascinating? Why a friend raves about a certain author and for you their book falls flat? I just might have the answer...

Dayna Mazzuca's workshop called 'Reach Your Readers' was one of the most fascinating workshops I attended this past September at Inscribe's fall conference. In it, she attempts to answer these questions and sheds some light on what writers can do to reach their specific audience.

Her premise is that everyone of us perceive the world in a different way. We each have a nonverbal language and because of this we gravitate to people who 'get' us. (If you ‘get’ somebody, there is an inherent desire to spend more time with them.) Part of this theory is that we tend to read through our own set of lenses, too. This is your 'readers style' if you will, and we all have one. (It reminded me of the 'Five Love Languages' only the focus was on reading preferences.)

Usually, we write in the same way that we read. If we can identify our own ‘reader style’, we can more easily find our ideal readers, and therefore we will be more successful. We won’t be grating against the other demands of the other types of readers. People aren’t generic, of course, and it is difficult to slot everyone neatly into a box. However, readers do tend to be extremely consistent. How we read is a reflection of how we see the world. Once we learn to write for our readers (and subsequently market to them as well) the connection will be deeper and easier to make.

Five Types of Readers:

1. Scholar: Likes to have solid research and trustworthy facts. Trust is the most important thing. Can they trust what is written?

2. Social Connector: This is not necessarily an extrovert. They ask the question, “Who is involved?” They identify with the characters most and like things to be current.

3.  Change Agent: Wants to move things forward. Asks, “What is the purpose?” Persuasion is key.

4. Adventurer: these readers like action. What is the next adventure? They are immersed reader and feel deeply during reading.

5. Mystic: These readers are very analytical and reflective, immersing themselves internally in the writing. They are looking for the deep meaning. 

This has less to do with genre and more to do with the style of writing. She gave wonderful examples of each type within one genre. I thought I would be more 'mystic' but in fact I think I am more of an 'adventurer' with 'social connector' tendencies. 

Her book CALLED TO WRITE is available on iBooks. 

Summer's Sunset Approaching - Tracy Krauss

It's been a crazy summer. Wildfires, floods, heat waves and downpours. 

Sometimes my resolve, commitment, and ambition are just like the weather. Hot one day and cold the next. If I lived my life according to my feelings, it would be crazy indeed!

I'm so glad God never changes. Here are some scriptures to uplift your day no matter the weather outside (or in your heart):

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Numbers 23: 19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

Romans 11:29 for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable

As the days of summer draw to a close and the evenings begin to stretch out, remember that God is still the same yesterday, today and forever. 

*scriptures taken from the NIV






_______________________

Tracy Krauss writes from her home in Tumbler Ridge, BC, where she is currently lamenting the passing of summer and the arrival of the school year... Visit her website for more: tracykrauss.com - fiction on the edge without crossing the line - 

Appreciating the Beauty by Tracy Krauss

Psalm 19:1  “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

It is easy to take the beauty around us for granted. I live in, arguably, one of the most beautiful spots on earth, yet I sometimes feel dissatisfied, discouraged, and disappointed. It's natural, I suppose. As human beings we often think the grass is greener somewhere else.

My little community of Tumbler Ridge, set in the mountains of northern British Columbia, has suffered a disheartening economic setback in the last couple of years. As resource prices plummeted, so jobs disappeared. The exodus which began as a trickle has left our town overgrown (literally) with unkempt lawns and foreclosure notices. It's a losing battle against the clover, dandelions, and other weeds that have taken root, no matter how diligent one might be. One out of every four or five houses is occupied. Yes, that's what I said - occupied. That leaves four out of five vacant.

The only thing that hasn't diminished are the people in need. I volunteer at the local food bank and our clientele has increased. Many of the new clients are low income families who have relocated here because of the cheap rent. While there are some positives, (Tumbler Ridge was recently declared a Global Geopark - one of only two in North America!) there is an overriding sense of discontent among the residents who are still here. My husband and I have managed to hang on due to the security of my teaching job, but it hasn't been easy. We've had to put our faith to the test, trusting in God with more than just our lips.

Fortunately for me, my husband is also relentlessly optimistic. This is a good trait, although it makes it irritatingly difficult to wallow. (For those of us who feel like doing so on occasion...) In any case, rather than focus on the negatives, we've decided to try and enjoy some Sunday afternoon mini-vacations right here at home. There are more than thirty waterfalls within a short hike of town - some just minutes away from the town centre.

Quality Falls

Here we are at 'Quality Falls', just a very short hike from the trailhead just minutes from town. 

The next picture shows 'Flatbed Falls' literally minutes from downtown and a favourite spot for young people. One of the rights of passage is jumping off the cliff into the pools below. It's only about fifteen feet, but it certainly feels farther when you're looking over the edge... 

Flatbed Falls

Photo by 'Epic Power Sport Getaway'

The most spectacular falls is Kinuseo Falls, which is about an hour's drive from town in Monkman Provincial Park. (Also pictured in the poster above. Of course the falls come without the dinosaur!)

As the opening psalm states, the beauty of nature really does proclaim the glory of God. There is nothing like getting out and experiencing God's creation to help put life's inconveniences in perspective. 

_______________________

Tracy Krauss writes from her home in Tumbler Ridge, BC, pictured above. When she's not living her fantasy writer life during the summer months, she teaches secondary school Art, Drama and English.  Visit her website to read more or to check out her many published books and plays.

Growth by Tracy Krauss

Growth. It's this month's prompt and quite apt considering that natural growth is all around us at this time of year. I'm sure that many of you have also experienced a tremendous time of growth this past weekend at Write! Canada.

My own growth as a writer has come in spurts and starts. Sometimes it's been through conferences, like the one that just happened, and sometimes it has been through books, webinars, or other helpful resources. More often than not, however, it has come through failure, mistakes, rejection and other difficult circumstances.

I'm keeping it short and sweet today, since I have other commitments like report cards and end of the school year preparations that are keeping me occupied. But I wanted to take this opportunity, especially after the 'high' of something as wonderful as a writers' conference, to remind you that growth can come in many forms. Don't miss out on every opportunity - both the mountain tops and the valleys.

Grow Up! Tracy Krauss

1 Corinthians 13:11  “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.”

Our prompt this month encouraged us to write about growth. I can think of many ways I have grown in my both my writing life and my spiritual life.

Just as pruning encourages new growth, criticism and even rejection can teach one how to be a better writer. I've endured my share of such 'training', and even now I look back at some of my early published work and wish I could re-do many things that now jump out at me. Actually, I hope to do just that. I plan to eventually re-publish my entire backlist once the rights for each piece have been reverted back to me. Beyond my growth as a writer, I am amazed by how far I've come on the tech side of things. After my first book came out in 2009, the learning curve was steep in terms of marketing, promotion, learning about social media and so forth. I know I am still growing and learning every day, so I try to keep an open mind when it comes to these things.

I've also learned a thing or two in my time as a Christian. I accepted the Lord way back in March of 1982. There have been mountain top experiences, many long plateaus, and even a few dips. Overall, I can chart the progress, however, and can say with confidence that I am a more mature Christian now than I was back then. 

My husband and I have been in ministry on and off for many of these years. We are currently just finishing up as interim pastors of our church, which has been without a regular pastor for almost two years. It has been another learning experience since each congregation has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.  One thing that has struck me this time around is how the length of time as a Christian doesn't necessarily equal spiritual maturity. Unfortunately there are a few folks who are disgruntled about one thing or another and they don't mind sharing it! The lack of maturity is astounding at times, especially when it comes to issues that are of no eternal value...

But enough of that. Like the scripture says at the top, there comes a time when we must put away childishness as it pertains to immaturity, and act like adults. This doesn't mean we should stop being childlike when it comes to the wonder of God and the enjoyment of the life he has given us. In that case, we are to become like little children. 

I expect that I will look back a month, a year, a decade from now and see growth in both my spiritual life and my writing life. As my dear friend Jacqueline used to say, "Age is only a number." She lived up to this motto on a daily basis. Jacqueline was one of those people that 'sparkled'. She was full of vivacious energy, was fun-loving and energetic, had a positive outlook on life, and loved Jesus with all her heart. (And she never lost her sense of style! No frumpy old lady clothes for her!) Thankfully, when cancer struck at 87, she went quickly with dignity and grace. 

It's true. Age IS only a number. It has nothing to do with one's maturity or growth as a human being. There are many baby adults out there and a few very wise young ones, too. May we all aspire to be in the 'wise' camp, realizing that each one of us still has a lot of growing to do. 

Expectation by Tracy Krauss

I am approaching a milestone that some of you may not be able to relate to. This summer marks the eighth year since moving to our current home in northern BC. If I don’t up and move between now and then, it will be the longest I have lived anywhere since I left the nest way back in 1980. I won’t lie. I’m feeling a wee bit antsy. Restless even, like I need to find a reason to move – QUICK!

In thirty-three and a half years of marriage my husband and I have moved between 15 and 20 times depending on how you slice and dice it.  (We moved back to a couple of communities more than once.) We’ve lived in five provinces and territories including BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the NWT and the Yukon. We’ve watched the northern lights, basked in the midnight sun, survived stampeding bison, and experienced more than one close encounter with polar bears. Add to that another ten plus moves before I ever got married and you might be able to understand where I’m coming from.  

Don’t get me wrong. Tumbler Ridge, our current hat hook, has been good to us. I have a stable job teaching all the things I love like Art, Drama and English. I signed my first publishing contract after moving to TR and I’ve had a pretty good run since. All four of my children (not to mention the two grandbabies) live within a two-hour radius. Compared to some of the other remote locations where I’ve lived, that’s pretty good. To top it off, this is a really beautiful part of the country. Waterfalls, mountains, hiking trails, relatively mild winters… I really can’t complain. In fact I’m not.

Yet…

bag already packed?

Somewhere deep in my gut I feel a stirring.  The call of a new adventure won’t be silenced. Is it the fact that so many other people have made an exit after the economic downturn in the region? It seems like everyone else is moving so maybe I’m just feeling left behind. My husband is one of those who lost his job more than a year ago. We had already started pastoring our church on an interim basis because the church could no longer afford to pay the pastor. Once my husband got laid off he was able to focus even more time and energy on the church. That was twenty-one months ago and it is now coming to an end as a new, full time pastor is scheduled to arrive June 1. The question is, now what? He’s been looking for work the entire time, but God obviously needed us to be focused on this transitional period in the church. We now wonder what doors He will open once we are released from that responsibility.

I honestly don’t know what the future holds but there is a sense of expectation. Perhaps this post will have an addendum in the coming months.

***********

Tracy Krauss writes stage plays, novels and other fluff while trying to adjust to the notion of putting down roots - not an easy task for a compulsive wanderer. Visit her website for more: "Fiction on the edge without crossing the line"

  

Anticipating the Warmth of a Cold Gathering - Tracy Krauss

This month's prompt was "Anticipation" and what better theme to go with the resurrection of our Lord? Today, many of us are gathering together to celebrate this most joyous of occasions.

One of my favourite Easter memories comes from our time living in the Yukon. Each year the ministerial organized an Easter sunrise service, with all five churches participating. Watson Lake, our home at the time, has a small park in the centre of town called 'Wye Lake'. (Not to be confused with the bigger lake for which the town is named.) Wye Lake is a favorite gathering spot for many ministerial functions since it offers a sizable gazebo surrounded by a grassy area for large gatherings. A log cabin outfitted with a kitchen, washrooms, and indoor meeting space is right next to the gazebo. 

It sounds idyllic, right? In the summertime, yes... at the end of March or beginning of April -  not so much!

Remember, this is in the Yukon. There is still a lot of snow on the ground and the temperatures are nowhere near spring-like. In fact, I don't remember a year when it wasn't freezing cold outside. Most people came bundled up in their winter gear, but there were always a few ladies who insisted on wearing their Easter finest. Imagine the flow and flap of a spring print dress next to a pair of oversized, clunky snow boots. (Fashion in the Yukon has its own flair.) They could be seen huddled close to a significant other (or not... nobody is choosy in minus degree weather...) bouncing from foot to foot to keep warm.

In any case, the service was always understandably short. A prayer, two familiar hymns, and a very short message. After that we all trundled to the cabin where hot chocolate, coffee and an array of muffins and other breakfast foods awaited. The warmth of fellowship among believers was welcome, perhaps as much as the warmth of the building itself.

These are precious memories. The ministerial was a vibrant association that did a lot of things together in that community. We anticipated those group gatherings as much as any other events. I am forever grateful for the time we spent in the north. It taught us a lot about what it means to be the family of God.

_________________

Tracy Krauss now lives and writes in Tumbler Ridge, BC, considered by some to be 'north'. For her and her husband it is a southern retreat.  http://tracykrauss.com

For the Love Of... by Tracy Krauss

Love. 

It's a word that gets used a lot, but what does it really mean? Love can be a noun - it is a primary emotion, after all - but it's also a verb. It reminds me of that old DC Talk song from the 90s 'Love is a Verb'. (Enjoy a blast from the past and watch the youtube video by clicking the link.) If we say we 'love' someone or something, then we better SHOW it with our actions.

I have no complaints with love in its noun or its verb form. However, issues can arise with its overuse and the varying degrees of affection it represents. I love shoes, jewellery, and eating in restaurants, but this kind of 'love' doesn't come close to the kind of emotion I feel for my family. There are even different kinds of love within this deeper, personal realm. The love I feel for my husband is different than the love I feel for my children and grandchildren, or my brothers and sisters. All of these kinds of 'loving' are strong, but they are different. Similarly, the romantic love I have for my spouse is not the same as the love I have for my church family or my friends. Patriotic love is still another example. And what about my 'love' of writing? I feel pretty strongly about my call to write, along with many of my other creative pursuits. Where do these activities fit into the mix?

The Greeks got it right when they used specific words for each type of love. In the New Testament 'agape' love is used to express the divine love of God - both God's love for us and our love for Him and for one another. 'Phileo' love is the kind of brotherly love we have for a friend. 'Eros' is the romantic love we feel for a spouse. It would be great to have a more specific way of differentiating between my feelings for my husband and a craving for pizza. 

Beyond a few smiles the debate really isn't that significant. Here is what's really important. John 3:16, possibly the most familiar verse in the Bible, says,  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." This is agape love at its finest, given to us by God Himself through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

Thinking about pizza? Or my husband?

Tracy Krauss is an artist, author, playwright and teacher living and working in northern BC. For more visit her website: http://tracykrauss.com

The Snow Ball Effect - Tracy Krauss

The theme for this month was 'new beginnings', a very apt topic for the month of January when so many of us like to set goals. I've noticed that many of my writing goals sound quite similar each year which leads me to wonder: Perhaps beginning something multiple times really isn't 'beginning' at all...

For many years, my reoccurring lament was, "Why did God give me this desire to write if nobody is ever going to read it?" My only writing goal in those early days was to just finish something. Sixteen years after starting my first novel, I managed to complete it. Finally! Goal number one crossed off my list!

Three or four years later I had four finished manuscripts. By that time, my new goal was, "Get published." This was before the self-publishing revolution. (In retrospect I am very thankful for that, since none of these books were actually worthy of publication at the time.) I had less control over this goal than the first one. Reality was a tough taskmaster and I went through many more years of submission and rejection - almost to the point of despair - until, 'Eureka!' I signed my first book contract in 2008. The next logical goal was to be able to quit my day job and write full time. I'd done the hard part, so this next step should be easy. Right?

Once again, reality slapped me upside the head and woke me from my fantasy. My first book did not become an overnight success, and I did not make large sums of money or gain an instant following of readers. Instead, I was painstakingly introduced to the concept of building a platform, step by slow step. Marketing, social media, and other para-writing activities now demanded my attention, and with that my list of goals for the year became long and complex. Somehow, 'Write full time,' now depended on social media stats, learning new marketing strategies and the like. What ever happened to pure, unadulterated writing for pleasure?

Not that I'm complaining. I have enjoyed a small measure of 'success', if one can call it that. Since my first book came out in 2009, I've been blessed to have more than 20 books and plays published - almost 40 if one counts the novella sized serials that came out each month before they were compiled into full length collections. I've also written multiple magazine articles and anthology contributions and I have maintained my personal blog and consistently contributed to several other blogs like this one. The snow ball effect is certainly evident as my repertoire expands along with the demands on my time.

However, despite all this activity and an armload of published material, I am really no closer to meeting that ultimate goal of becoming a full time writer. Writing for profit turned out to be harder than I had anticipated. The competition is fierce and the market is flooded. It's why I hesitated this year when it came time to do my customary 'goal setting' session. Sure, I came up with a long to-do list of things I want to accomplish this year. More books, more marketing, more busyness... But am I really getting any closer to my real goal?

I can't answer that question. All I know is, I've come too far to stop now. I am a lot older and a bit wiser than when I started, but I'm still pursuing that dream. Just like a small snowball that can turn into a large one, I'm hoping that momentum is on my side. Only time will tell.

Tracy Krauss writes from her home in Tumbler Ridge, BC, where she also teaches secondary school Drama, Art and English. Visit her website for a full list of her novels, stage plays, and other books. http://tracykrauss.com 

No Gravy For Christmas - Tracy Krauss

The kitchen was filled with the wonderful smells of Christmas dinner. My daughters were bustling about getting the food on the table while my husband finished carving the turkey. I was busy stirring the gravy. It had thickened beautifully and was a nice golden colour. All it needed was a bit of seasoning. As the good natured banter flew about the room, I reached for the salt shaker, undid the cap and began to shake... and dumped the entire contents into the gravy!

Why would anyone undo the cap on the salt shaker? This was the million dollar question for which I had no answer. It was just one of those absent minded things. One little mistake that ruined the whole batch. We ate our Christmas dinner minus the gravy this year.

Although the incident didn't ruin Christmas entirely, I was quite upset that I had done such a silly, absent minded thing. The family were all very forgiving, even though I felt terrible. In the end, we enjoyed the meal and the rest of the festivities continued, gravy or no gravy.

It reminded me of life in general. Sometimes we mess up and no amount of apologizing will change the consequences of our actions. Yet, God in his love and forgiveness, helps us carry on and things usually turn out in the end. I hope that you have had a good year - mishaps and all - and can look back with reassurance that God is in control.

The Appeal of Hibernation - Tracy Krauss

The notion of hibernation appeals to me, especially when I'm suffering from a lack of sleep, an overload of responsibilities, or looming deadlines. I could learn a thing or two from those species that curl up for the winter in a nice cozy cave. Instead, I tend to take on more and more during the winter months. Teaching full time, an upcoming drama show, making my own Christmas presents, church responsibilities... oh, did I mention I signed up for nanowrimo again this year? Call me crazy, but I'm near the finish line with another 3000 words to go in order to make my 50,000 word deadline in one month. I'm ready for a rest, but that's not going to happen until after the Christmas rush of concerts, dinners, decorating and the like. I feel a little bit like a bear that is waiting for winter.

Interestingly, we had a few real life examples of just such a phenomenon this fall. The weather was unusually mild for an extended period of time in northern BC. This is not something that the residents of the small mountain town where I live would normally complain about. However, Tumbler Ridge had to contend with more than one black bear hanging around waiting for colder weather to hit. Signs were posted around town for at least three weeks straight and bear sightings were a daily occurrence. People were told to keep their small pets indoors, children only played outside in groups, and it was a rare and brave individual who walked alone, especially after dark.

One friend took pictures of the bear tracks in her garden and the scratch marks on her fence. Somehow the bear got into her yard, even though it is enclosed on all sides by a six foot wooden fence. My neighbor two doors down saw a mother and cub in the vacant yard next to theirs. Residents were getting frustrated. They just didn't feel safe.

No measures were taken to trap or relocate the bears, however. It wasn't an isolated incident or just one rogue bear. When you build a town in the middle of a forest, you can expect to share it with the wildlife. A few years ago, a bear had to be shot just five houses down from us because it was hiding under someone's deck and wouldn't come out. Perhaps he thought he'd found the perfect place for his winter's nap. Fortunately, there were no casualties this year and the town is now bear free for several months until springtime.

I'm hoping for some of that same rest and relaxation to hit somewhere around December 26 - just in time for my next contribution to this blog on December 27. 

Tracy Krauss is a multi-published author, artist, playwright, teacher, pastor, worship leader, blogger, speaker, wife, mother, grandmother ...(takes a breath) who is planning to hibernate for exactly one week after Christmas before jumping back into the fray called life. Visit her website at: tracykrauss.com 

The Curiosity - Tracy Krauss

Curiosity:

a) the desire to learn or know about anything; inquisitiveness.
b) a rare, or novel thing.












































c) a strange or interesting quality

Writers are curious people by nature, I think, and I don't just mean inquisitive. I'm referring to the 'strange' part in the third definition.

Think about it. Who else but a 'curiosity' would willingly admit to the following?

1. I shut myself off from reality in order to create a different reality of my choosing.

2. I 'hear' voices in my head.

3. I carry on conversations with imaginary people.

4. After months or even years of pouring myself onto the page, i allow other people to pick it apart.

5. My hourly wage for labor would be in the fractions of a cent.

6. The odds of making enough money to actually live on are astronomical but I keep trying anyway.

7. Sometimes I feel tired and discouraged and stuck and sick-to-death-of-writing-so why-bother-because-I'm-no-good-anyway... but I keep going back to it like a dog with a bone.

The list just gets curiouser and curiouser... I could go on but I think I've made my point. All hail to the curious breed known as 'writer'. May you never give up your dream. (Because you really couldn't, even if you tried.) 

Tracy Krauss continues to 'live the dream' at her home in Northern British Columbia. Visit her blog for more about her curious writing habits, or see her website for her extensive list of published novels, plays, short stories and non-fiction. 

Faithful to Write - Tracy Krauss

The words of Habakkuk Chapter Two resonate in the ears of many Christian writers I know - including me:

I will stand at my watch

and station myself on the ramparts;

I will look to see what He will say to me,

and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

Write down the revelation

and make it plain on tablets

so that a herald may run with it. (NIV)

This passage is clearly about the calling that many feel to write. And yes, I believe this applies to fiction writers, too. The fact that God uses story to reach people is well documented. After all, Jesus himself used parables to get his message across.

Stories are a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled writer and can influence and impact long after the entertainment factor has worn off. Take for instance Frank Peretti's iconic This Present Darkness. It continues to be a spiritual warrior's call to action, even after almost thirty years. (Apparently a revised edition came out in 2003. I still have the original 1980s version...) Authors like C.S. Lewis, Francine Rivers, and others come to mind as weavers of stories that have had a lasting and profound impact on a spiritual level.

I don't presume to lump myself in with such glowing examples, but I have been blessed to receive feedback from readers telling me my work affected them in a positive way. I love to tell stories of redemption and grace based on characters that are less than squeaky clean, but whom God uses anyway. I think people appreciate the fact that God keeps short accounts when we come to faith in Christ. There is hope for everyone - even the most unlikely.

This month we were encouraged to write about 'Faithfulness'. I can't help but think how this applies to us as Christian writers - even those of us that have committed to write for this blog. I am grateful for the men and women who are faithful to post here each month. I know that many of us lead very busy lives and it isn't always easy to find time to write yet another blog post. As well, it takes effort to think of something new to share that is both interesting and relevant. Thanks, too, to our lovely moderator, Glynis Belec, who keeps us on track.

Keep on writing faithfully, my dear friends, both here and in the other things God has laid on your heart. It is a high calling not to be taken lightly.

___________________

Tracy Krauss writes fiction, non-fiction, and stage plays from her home in British Columbia. http://tracykrauss.com

The Wonder of It All - Tracy Krauss

Ever wonder why God doesn't just fix all the problems in the world? He could, you know. But for some reason He has chosen to work through frail human beings like you and me.

He also chose to sacrifice His own son to make atonement for our sins. Ever wonder why that was even necessary? Oh, I know, I know... theologians among us will point to the Old Testament and the necessity for blood sacrifice.

But why? 

God is God. I'm sure He could have come up with another plan. Some other way. He's the one who instituted the laws in the first place. In His infinite creativity, He could have thought of something that didn't involve bloodshed.

Fortunately, I don't have to try to make sense of everything God does. I accept the fact that His understanding of the universe and how things work goes far beyond anything I could possibly conceive. Perhaps someday I'll understand the whys and hows - or maybe I won't. It seems arrogant to think that I could ever truly grasp all the finer details, even in eternity. It's kind of like a toddler asking why the sky is blue. I could give a scientific explanation which would probably sound like a foreign language, or I could just say, "Because God wanted it to look pretty." I think I prefer the latter.

I am happy to let God be who He is - the Almighty. Willing to use a flawed vessel like me to do His work here on earth. Now that is pretty wonderful.

Tracy Krauss writes fiction, non-fiction and stage plays from her home in British Columbia. http://tracykrauss.com