But here’s what I’ve learned after years of working with Christian writers and creatives. Anyone who feels called to share their story or testimony in a variety of ways struggles with one thing: they feel that calling, but don’t know how to actually DO it. They sense God nudging them to share our stories. They see the power of testimony in Scripture. They know someone needs to hear what God has done in our lives and they actually want to share it.

But then the questions flood in:

• How do I turn my experiences into a coherent message?
• What if my story isn’t “big” enough to matter?
• Where do I even begin when it feels so overwhelming?
• What if I share too much—or not enough?
• How do I write in a way that points to Jesus, not just to me?

These aren’t just practical questions. They’re faith questions. They’re obedience questions.

In the P31 devotion, I mentioned that sharing your story isn’t about self-promotion—it’s about ministry. It’s about stewardship.

God has entrusted you with your unique journey—the valleys you’ve walked through, the mountains you’ve climbed, the moments where His faithfulness showed up when everything else fell apart.

That’s not random. That’s purposeful.

But a story kept hidden can’t fulfill its purpose. A testimony locked away can’t encourage the hurting. A message unwritten can’t reach the person who desperately needs to hear it. When we don’t steward our stories well, we’re not just keeping our experiences to ourselves. We’re withholding hope from others.

Over the years, I’ve talked with hundreds and hundreds of women who feel called to write. They know they have a message. They sense God’s leading. But something keeps holding them back.

Sometimes it’s fear: What will people think or say?
Sometimes it’s doubt: Who am I to write a book?
Sometimes it’s time: How could I fit writing/speaking into my life?
Sometimes it’s overwhelm: I don’t even know where to start.

But most often? It’s simply a lack of structure.

They don’t need more passion—they have that.
They don’t need a bigger platform—that comes later.
They need a blueprint.

They need someone to show them, step by step, how to take the calling God has placed on their heart and turn it into written words that can change lives.

That’s exactly what happens in The Writer’s Blueprint, my 9 week group coaching program which helps those who have a passion to tell their story go from ideas and blank pages to written messages, chapters and completed manuscripts. The Writer’s Blueprint, is designed specifically for Christian women who know they’re called to write and share their story but don’t know how to start.

Here’s what makes it different from your typical writing courses:

* No. 1:  This isn’t a course – it’s an action packed, strategically planned coaching program with live support and real interaction with me and other writers every single week.
* We don’t just talk about writing techniques. We talk about calling.
* I view your story as a ministry, not just a product to be sold. I want to help you make that happen.
* We don’t just create outlines. I help you discover and clarify your message—the one God has been preparing in you through every season of your life.
* We don’t just learn about writing. We learn how to write WITH God, FOR God, and in a way that glorifies Him.
* I don’t leave you hanging – I want to teach you about finding agents, navigating the mystery of the publishing industry and what steps to take next

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about becoming a bestselling author (though that could happen!). It’s about obedience. It’s about faithfully stewarding the story God has given you. It’s about learning how to get your story into the hands of those who need it most.

Before you pray about joining The Writer’s Blueprint, I want to give you a head start. A little sneak peak into what it feels like to be a participant in this program and just a snippet of the incredible information you’ll glean.

That’s why I’m hosting a FREE masterclass called “From Blank Page to Book Deal: 5 Essential Steps Every Christian Writer Needs.”

In this one-hour free training, you’ll discover:

The biggest mistake Christian writers make that keeps their message stuck
How to identify the core message God is calling you to share
The simple framework that takes you from idea to finished manuscript
Why your “ordinary” story is exactly what someone needs to hear
How to create a writing system that works for your busy life
The next steps to take if you’re serious about getting published

This masterclass will give you clarity, confidence, and a concrete plan for moving forward—whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of writing, you’re already several chapters in but feeling stuck, or you just want to know how to better get your story out of your head and onto paper so you can share it with others.

It’s completely FREE, and if you attend live, you can find out how to claim bonus offers worth nearly $500! 

–Tuesday, January 13, 2026
–7:30pm – 8:30pm ET
—SAVE YOUR SPOT BY CLICKING HERE!

I would love to see you there. Hundreds of people have already signed up, and I would love to have you join us too.

No matter what your next steps are, here’s what I know to be true: If God has placed a story in your heart, He intends for it to be told. It could mean sharing it from a stage, a pulpit, a chair in a ministry group, on a blog or on social media.

The question isn’t whether your story matters. It does.

The question is: Will you have the courage to take the steps necessary to share it this year?

Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Notice it doesn’t say, “We will think about telling them someday.”  It doesn’t say, “We will tell them if we feel qualified.”  It says, “We WILL tell.”

That’s a decision. A commitment. An act of faith.

The Writer’s Blueprint  program kicks off on February 16, 2026 and enrollment is open!

But first, if you want to join me for the FREE masterclass so you can see exactly what’s possible when you say YES to the calling on your heart, then make that your next step! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP for the free Masterclass (why not, it’s free!). A replay will be sent the next day, but you have to be registered to receive the email with the replay link!

Just remember, friend, that right now, someone is sitting in the same valley you once walked through.

They’re struggling with the same doubts you overcame.
They’re wrestling with the same questions you’ve found answers to.
They’re wondering if God still sees them, still cares, still works miracles.

And your story—the one you think is too ordinary, too messy, too imperfect—could be exactly what gives them hope.

But only if you tell it.

Don’t let this year pass by with your story still hidden. Don’t let fear or doubt keep you from the obedience God is calling you to.

Your story matters. Your message matters. You matter. Let’s make God famous.

Deuteronomy 8:2 is a key verse in the Bible I often think about this time of year, which says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.”

This is where Moses is reminding the Israelites they need to remember their forty years in the wilderness, and emphasized that God led them through that adversity to humble and test them, so what was in their hearts could be revealed. He wanted to see if they would keep His commands, so He could prepare them for what was ahead.

For each of us, it’s also a call to reflect on His faithfulness in our own lives, and remind ourselves to prepare our hearts for what’s ahead. So in light of that, I wanted to share a little glimpse into my 2025. I’ve experienced a lot of good things and hard things, as I’m sure you have as well, but looking back, I can still see His fingerprints all along the way, which gives me hope for the things I will face in the coming new year.

My God highlights – good and bad – this year, included:

My first two precious, baby granddaughters were born.
My oldest daughter, Morgan, was due with her first child in mid January, but sweet Olivia couldn’t wait to enter the world and was born the day after Christmas last year, but we still kicked off 2025 with her precious little self in our arms! My son Michael and his wife Liz blessed us with sweet Samantha who was born on February 8th.

Leaving a job and a ministry I have devoted my life to.
It was a hard and painful transition, but God has provided and showed up in so many ways. Even though I didn’t understand His ways at the time or the plans He had for me in a new season of life, I can look back and see Him at work in my life, and my heart, over the last six months. It was time to surrender what I was holding on too tight to so that He could give me something even better. I can now truthfully say that change was one of the biggest blessings of my year, and I am thankful.

Having the time to pour myself and my energies into what I love most – coaching aspiring authors.
God has instilled in me a passion to help those who have a story to tell get it on paper in a beautiful way and pursue their dream of publishing. Coaching equips and inspires the writer, but I think it blesses me the most.

Experiencing a family situation that truly broke my heart.
This is a situation where I am still waiting to see God at work, and I pray daily to see change, a glimpse of hope for better times and for prayers to be answered. Until this situation is fully resolved, my heart will always feel a little heavy and sad.

Launching the ‘The Writers Blueprint’ program.
This was my inaugural 9 week group coaching program and it was wonderful. I made new friends, taught a lot and learned a lot, and can’t wait until the next one!

Launching the inaugural AuthorRise Academy with Becky Kopitzke.
This six month program is where aspiring Christian authors learn to write, publish, and monetize the book of their dreams. The program is helping so many aspiring authors pursue their calling to write, build their platform and learn how to make an income from their writing, but I’m most thankful for God bringing Becky and I together. I am blessed by the sweet friendship and camaraderie we have formed and by our new author friends who have trusted us to help them pursue their writing dreams.

Completing the first full year of Tracie Miles Literary agency.
My heart behind starting this agency was to help authors reach the next level of publishing. I have learned that being an agent is hard work and not easy, and can be very frustrating at times. But I am elated that two of my clients signed major publishing contracts with Moody Publishers and Penguin Random House, with hopefully more in the works for the coming year.

Supporting my mom, who was suffering from broken bones and went through months of rehab due to a serious fall she experienced this summer.
After her fall, she went through so much pain and suffering, physically and emotionally, but God healed her and she is doing really well. Her heart loves the Lord and that helps her stay positive and hopeful even during the worst of circumstances.

Spending the majority of the summer at my beach house on the NC Coast.
There is nothing this girl loves more than summer, sunshine and beach time. (As we are in the dead of winter right now, I’m marking down the days until spring arrives!)

As I look ahead to the blessings 2026 will bring:

Working on a new book idea and book proposal.
Yikes. I’m excited, and a little nervous, about this new book idea! No matter how many books one might write, working on something new is still a little intimidating, and doubts and insecurities rear their ugly heads. Will it be good enough? Will anyone be interested? Will it be a success? I will be pitching a proposal in the first quarter, and we’ll see if God opens doors.

Granddaughters #3 and #4 are on the way!
Wow  – my family is growing by leaps and bounds, and so quickly! Both of my daughters are pregnant, one due in April and one due in June. This year I’m not going to have enough room on my mantle for all the Christmas stockings! Spring and summer 2026 should be a busy season full of blessings!

A girls trip to Aruba is planned for March 2026 with some of my besties.
Need I say more?

Offering a free Masterclass in January for aspiring writers dreaming about following the calling God placed on their heart to share their story.
This is going to be so fun! From Blank Page to Book Deal: Five Essential Steps Every Christian Author Needs, will take place on January 13th at 7:30pm ET. And it’s FREE! You can CLICK HERE to register if you haven’t already done so. If you have any interest in learning how to share your story through words in the coming year, I hope to see you there!

Hosting The Writers Blueprint again in 2026, starting February 16th.
The next Writers Blueprint program will be even better and I can’t wait to help more writers with a dream in their heart to start writing their book and take that leap of faith to lean into their gifts and their calling! The program will begin February 16 and run through April 17. Enrollment is open if you want to secure your spot and make 2026 your year of writing!

Hosting AuthorRise Academy again in 2026.
Although dates have not been determined yet, it’s going to happen sometime this summer! Stay tuned for all the details in the spring! You can get on the waitlist now by clicking here to be notified when registration opens again!

And that’s just the beginning! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me this year, and am faithfully trying to prepare my heart for the hard things that I know will come.

I want to encourage you, before the clock strikes twelve tonight, to think about the highs and lows of your 2025, and start thinking about how you can trust God with 2026. Where did you see God at work? What blessings did He bestow upon you? How did he turn burdens into blessings? Where do you see His fingerprints as you look back at the year behind you? What are you excited about for 2026? What goals and dreams do you want to strive for in the coming year? What leaps of faith to you need to pray about finding the courage to take?

None of us know what a new year will bring … the highs nor the lows – the laughter nor the tears … but what we do know is that God is good, all the time. Sometimes, we just have to pause and take notice of His Presence in the past to truly trust Him with the future.

Wishing you a very happy New Year!

xoxo, Tracie

In one week, I’m hosting my FREE masterclass, “From Blank Page to Book Deal: Five Essential Steps Every Author Needs,” happening on January 13th at 7:30pm ET.   I would love to see you there! If you want to register to participate, CLICK HERE.

I’ve been putting the finishing touches on my presentation and honestly, I might have packed too much value into one hour. But I’d rather give you MORE than less! And if we need a little extra time for Q&A, I’ll stick around as long as needed!

But I want to share something important with you today…

After coaching thousands of writers over the years, I’ve identified the single biggest mistake that stops books from getting written:

Trying to do it alone.

Here’s what happens:

You get inspired. You start writing. You hit a roadblock. You don’t know who to ask for help. You Google it. You get 47 conflicting answers. You get overwhelmed. You get frustrated and feel like you have no clarity about what or how to write. Then, you quit.

Sound familiar?

Writing a book is HARD. Writing a book in isolation is nearly impossible.

Yet so many aspiring authors think they’re supposed to figure it all out on their own. They think asking for help is cheating or means they’re not “real writers.”

Let me tell you a secret: Every successful author I know had help.

• A writing group
• A mentor
• A coach
• An accountability partner
• A community

Nobody does this alone. Nobody.

On January 13th in the free masterclass, I’m going to show you exactly what real writing support looks like and how to get it—whether that’s through one of my coaching programs or on your own.

Here’s a Sneak Peek of What Else We’re Covering:

Why feeling “unqualified” might actually be your greatest asset
The mind mapping technique that makes outlining fun (yes, fun!)
How to write consistently even when you’re exhausted, busy, or uninspired
What publishers actually want (hint: it’s not what you think)
A special opportunity that could change everything

But whether you join the masterclass or not, I want to encourage you to do something important. Find ONE person in your life and tell them: “I’m serious about writing a book, and I need your support. Will you 1) make sure I show up for this Masterclass and don’t find an excuse, and 2) check in with me once a week to see how it’s going?”

Accountability changes everything.

Imagine what you could accomplish this year if you committed to penning the words God has laid on your heart to share, and stopped procrastinating and making excuses.

If God has called you to do something, He will give you what you need to do it. But first, you have to believe in yourself and take a bold leap of faith. Every little step is a step in the right direction.

Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt that familiar knot tighten in your stomach?

You know the one. It shows up when you see someone else’s success, someone else’s seemingly perfect life, someone else’s accomplishment that makes yours feel… small.

Before you know it, you’re mentally cataloging all the ways you don’t measure up:

She’s more organized than I am.Her kids are better behaved.She’s prettier, more talented, more successful.I’m not enough.

We’ve all been there.

I recently caught myself doing this. A friend shared some exciting news—something wonderful that I was genuinely happy about. But underneath that happiness, something else crept in. A quiet voice whispered: Why not you? What does she have that you don’t?

And just like that, I was measuring myself against her, tallying up my shortcomings, wondering what was wrong with me and why I couldn’t achieve what she had achieved, no matter how hard I tried.

The crazy thing? She wasn’t comparing herself to me. She was just living her life. I was the one holding up the measuring stick.

Here’s what I’ve learned: comparison doesn’t just make us feel inadequate—it distorts how we see ourselves AND how we see God’s work in our lives.

When we measure ourselves against others, we’re essentially saying: “God, Your plan for me isn’t good enough. I want what You gave them.”

We start believing that our worth is determined by how we stack up. That we’re only valuable if we’re “better than” or “as good as” someone else.

But that’s not how God sees us.

Psalm 139:14 reminds us: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Notice what’s NOT in that verse? Any mention of how you compare to anyone else.

God didn’t create you to be a better or worse version of someone else. He created you to be YOU—with your specific gifts, your unique story, your particular calling.

When you constantly measure yourself against others, you miss the beautiful truth: God made you exactly as He intended. Not as a rough draft. Not as a consolation prize. As a masterpiece.

Imagine what would shift if you stopped using other people as your measuring stick:

You’d celebrate their wins without feeling diminished by them
You’d focus on what God is doing in YOUR life instead of obsessing over what He’s doing in theirs
You’d have energy to pursue YOUR calling instead of trying to replicate someone else’s
You’d finally experience the freedom that comes from knowing your worth isn’t up for debate

Your value isn’t determined by how you compare to anyone else. It’s established by the God who made you. Their success doesn’t diminish yours. Their gifts don’t cancel out yours. Their journey doesn’t make yours less significant.

God has a plan for you that’s completely separate from what He’s doing in anyone else’s life. And when you spend all your energy comparing yourself to them, you miss out on the incredible things He wants to do through YOU.

The next time you catch yourself comparing—whether it’s scrolling social media, sitting in church, or watching someone else get the opportunity you wanted—pause and ask yourself:

“Whose measuring stick am I using? And is it even mine to hold?”

Then remind yourself of this truth: God’s opinion of you is the only one that matters. And His assessment? You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Not because you measure up to someone else’s standard.

But because He created you with intentionality, purpose, and love. And that’s enough.

With encouragement,

P.S. If you’ve been struggling with comparison, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. This is something we all wrestle with. But God’s truth is stronger than our tendency to measure. Hold onto that today.  You can also check out my Proverbs 31 devotion, Just Because They Said It Doesn’t Make It True, by clicking HERE. 

_________________________

Could you use some encouragement and tips on learning to reframe your thought patterns and start thinking more positively about yourself and your life?  Check out my book Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies for Transforming the Way You Think Feel and Live.

The truth is, hearts anchored in God don’t sink. When we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel and live, even if our circumstances remain the same. Intentionally embracing the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and a renewed mind opens the door for a changed life, because a positive mind will always lead to a more positive life.

It wasn’t dramatic. There was no crisis moment, no breaking point. It was just… quiet resignation. A slow fade from hope to acceptance that maybe, just maybe, some prayers were meant to go unanswered.

Especially the ones about money.

I had prayed every prayer I knew how to pray. I’d believed, claimed promises, fasted, cried, bargained. And still, the bank account stayed empty. The bills kept coming. The fear kept growing.

And God felt silent.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me back then:

God’s silence doesn’t mean He’s absent. His delay doesn’t mean He’s denying you. And your current impossibility? It’s not too big for Him.

I know that’s hard to believe when you’re staring at an eviction notice or choosing between groceries and medication. I know it feels like empty platitudes when you’ve been praying the same prayer for months—or years—and nothing has changed.

But here’s what I’ve learned on the other side of financial crisis, divorce devastation, and what felt like God’s deafening silence: He was working the entire time.

Not always in ways I could see. Not always on my timeline. But always, always working.

The provision that finally came didn’t look like I thought it would. The doors that opened weren’t the ones I’d been knocking on. The miracles weren’t always lightning-bolt moments—sometimes they were quiet, steady acts of faithfulness that I almost missed because I was looking for something bigger.

If you’re in that place right now—the waiting place, the wondering place, the “has God forgotten me?” place—I want you to know:

* You are not forgotten.
* Your prayers are not unheard.
* Your situation is not impossible.

God is still the God of miracles. He’s still your Provider. And He’s still trustworthy, even when everything around you feels uncertain.

I wrote about this journey—the messy, painful, beautiful process of learning to trust God again after divorce—in my book Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart After Divorce. It’s not a book of easy answers or quick fixes. It’s honest, raw, and real about what it takes to rebuild your life and your faith when everything falls apart. It’s the resource I was so desperate for when I felt all alone and misunderstood and clueless about navigating my new life.

And if you’re ready to do the deeper work of healing, the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Workbook, a seven week study, will walk you through Scripture, reflection, and practical steps to process your pain and discover God’s faithfulness in the middle of your story, which you can do alone or with a group.

Whether your journey involves divorce or not, you may be struggling with similar emotions and fears. Know this: you don’t have to stay stuck in fear, anxiety, and doubt. You don’t have to keep white-knuckling your way through life, wondering if God really cares. There is a path forward—and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Praying for you today—for provision, for peace, and for fresh eyes to see all the ways God is already at work in your life.

Friend, you’re not forgotten.

For more encouragement on knowing you are seen and loved by God and that He hears your prayers, read my Proverbs 31 Devotion, When God Answers the Unanswerable Prayer. 

Have you ever felt like maybe you missed the boat when it came to following the calling God placed on your heart? Maybe you heard Him summoning you loud and clear years ago to something that felt out of your comfort zone  … to share your story, write a book, speak at church, start a ministry, launch a blog … but life, fear, procrastination and doubts caused you to hesitate for so long, that you now fear it’s too late.

My Proverbs 31 devotion today, You’re Not Starting Over, You’re Stepping Forward, talks about that exact subject. The truth is, I understand this fear mindset all too well.

Many years ago, during a powerful worship service, I heard God call me to “go and share.” It wasn’t a little nudge – it was a loud, very clear message from the Lord straight to my heart. Yet, rather than obey, I ignored it. In fact, for six years. Yikes.

I served in other ways, but not in the way He had asked me to. But finally, I couldn’t ignore that holy call to “go and share” anymore, and began sharing my story at my speaking engagements and eventually in my second published book, Your Life Still Counts.

Prior to that though, I thought I had missed the boat. Surely God was disappointed in me for my years of disobedience and for doubting He knew what was best. Surely it was too late for me to finally obey – but it wasn’t.

It’s never too late to do the right thing – the God thing – we are called to do.

God had a plan for my life, as He does yours, and although I ran from it at first, eventually my faith became stronger than my fears, and I have no regrets to this day for giving Him, and myself, a chance on doing things that felt way out of my comfort zone and capabilities.

What is God calling you to do that you have been putting on the back burner for what seems like valid reasons? Whatever it is, remember this: God’s purpose for our lives isn’t something we can miss, lose or age out of.  He is a patient heavenly Father, and when we’re ready, He will welcome us into our purpose with open arms and lead us every step of the way.

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If the calling on your heart has been to write a book, but you’ve let fear or a lack of knowledge keep you from taking a chance on your dreams and what God wants to do through you and your words, sign up for my free live online workshop taking place on October 15th at 12pm Central!!

Becky and I would love to have you join us! Click the graphic below for all the details and how to get registered today!

Whether you were a fan of him or not, please stick with me here for a minute.

I posted on social media to pray for him and his family immediately upon hearing about this horrific tragedy. Shortly after, someone close to me sent me a text message suggesting I remove that post because “what if some people didn’t agree with his views?” or “it could offend someone or make them mad,” or “people might unfollow you on social media.”

But I did not remove it, and some people did unfollow me. And honestly, that’s okay. You know why?

Because even though many of us, including me, didn’t always fully agree with every single thing Charlie said, he was a good, innocent man persecuted for his Christian beliefs. He deserved to be prayed for and honored for literally dying for his faith, just like all those men and women in the Bible that we all study about, read about and admire. None of them were perfect or without flaw, and many people disagreed with their views and beliefs – yet they stood firm in their faith, no matter what.

Whether we wear red or blue, or align ourselves ‘left’ or ‘right’, doesn’t matter. Whether we agreed with all of his opinions or not is actually irrelevant. All that matters is that he was a fellow human being, Christian and patriotic American, and God created each of us with space in our hearts for human decency, love and compassion – even for those we don’t agree with.  And as believers, we are held to an even higher expectation to show love, and hatred has no place in our hearts.

But through this horrific tragedy, I feel a light is emerging. A new spark has been lit in my heart, and clearly in the hearts of countless others, to stand up for what we believe and think about the legacies we want to leave.

You may have seen this as well, but I watched an interview done with Charlie just a few months ago and he was asked what he most wanted to be remembered for when he died. His answer was simple: “I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith … the most important thing in my life is my faith.”

He wanted courage and his unwavering, bold faith to define him. And although the world will never agree fully on some of the things he felt strongly about and stood firm in, his death is not only tragic, but serves as a reminder of how fragile life is, how fleeting moments are, and how quickly we can be forced out of the arena.

But would you agree that it’s also a wake-up call?  For all of us to consider what we are willing to stand for—even when standing costs something—and if we’re willing to step outside of our comfort zones and live in the moment. For all of us to consider what we want to be most remembered for.

Faith isn’t meant to be comfortable. It’s meant to be courageous. We live in an era where it’s easier to hold opinions quietly than to speak them boldly. To conform rather than challenge. To stay safe rather than stand up. To keep quiet, rather than tell our stories of God’s goodness.  Yet there’s something holy in refusing to shrink and lean into the hard. Something sacred in letting our beliefs breathe audibly, not just privately, especially when it comes to the salvation of others.

So what does it look like to live in the moment—with boldness, with faith, with urgency?

First, tell your story. Your testimony, your journey, your bruised places, your moments of doubt—these are not weaknesses. They are your power. They are the living proof that God is alive and working in today’s broken world.

Second, obey your calling—whatever form that takes. Maybe you’re called to write a book. Maybe to speak. Or to love your neighbor, to teach, to serve, to advocate. Obedience isn’t always loud. It isn’t always public. But it changes everything. It builds legacy, and we never know how much time we have to build the legacy we want to be remembered for.

Charlie Kirk died speaking to thousands—bringing his message, stirring hearts, young and old. Whether you agreed with him or not, whether you saw his every word as gold or as a flashpoint, his life is a reminder that time runs out. That platform, opportunity, voice—it’s all temporary.

So don’t wait for “someday.” Don’t wait for perfect confidence or the perfect audience. You don’t have to be celebrated by all. You only need to be true to what God has placed in you.

Charlie’s voice for Christ might have been silenced, but as long we have breath, our voices can be used to help others know the Truth.

How time flies, and life looks much different now. Each of my “little ones” has a college degree; one is a Flight Attendant, one is an Artist, and one has a Masters in Architecture. We’ve enjoyed two weddings over the past few years and two precious granddaughters born this year, only six weeks apart, and lots of other wonderful life happenings taking place in between.

I love the life God has blessed me with, but honestly, growing up is hard. Not just for kids but for moms, too. When our kids enter new seasons of life so do we, and trusting God with our children becomes more important — and maybe even harder —  than ever before.

Psalm 31:14 — “But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, ‘You are my God!’” — is a great verse to tuck into our hearts this time of year, when summer is ending and a new season is on the horizon.

In this verse, we see evidence of David turning away from his doubts and fears and intentionally deciding to trust God instead. He realized he had no chance of winning the battles against his enemies without God’s help.

David faced a physical enemy, but often we face the invisible enemy of our out-of-control thoughts, worries and emotions, especially when our little ones have become big ones, and it’s time for them to be out on their own or start a new phase of life.

Just like David though, the battle for our thoughts and emotions can’t be won all alone. David boldly proclaimed His trust in God because he was loved by His Father. As moms we, too, can boldly proclaim our trust in who God is by believing He not only loves us but loves our children just as much as we do.

But let’s face it, despite our best intentions to trust God with our children, worries and fears can still fill our minds and steal our peace. When our children start new phases of life like kindergarten, middle school or high school, it’s hard not to worry.

But when they start college?! Yikes. Worry takes on a whole new level. Worry, coupled with the empty ache in our hearts from looking at their empty bedroom in our house, can feel overwhelming and emotionally draining. I vividly remember the silence when all my children had moved out, the void that echoed in my heart and the fears that felt too heavy to carry.

So, for all you moms sending your most treasured possessions off to a college campus, here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind to help you maintain peace and comfort in your heart as you, and they, embark on this new phase of life:

Don’t let your emotions run away with you. After dropping my first born off at college all those years ago, I let my emotions get the better of me — as if sending my daughter to college was throwing her to the wolves and meant never, ever seeing her again. Ever. I finally realized I was letting my fears and mama emotions control my joy and I had to intentionally take control of my thoughts and fears through faith.

Do ask God to fill your heart with peace and comfort, and trust He is in control. It’s hard to control emotions, especially when it comes to the well being of our children. Ask God to fill you with a peace that surpasses understanding and the ability to trust Him as each day passes.

Don’t assume your child is going to make the same mistakes you did in college — or that they won’t make any mistakes at all. As moms, we want to prevent our kids from making decisions that will negatively impact them. But as much as we desire to protect them, we have to let them make their own choices … which sometimes means their own mistakes. Just as we learned from our mistakes and may have already seen God use those mistakes for His glory, so will they.

Do pray for the Holy Spirit to be their guide. Ask God to convict their hearts if they start heading down a wrong path. We can’t always be with our children, but God can.

Don’t convince yourself you’ve failed at getting your child ready to on their own. Sending a child off to college or any new phase of life is never easy on a mom’s heart. We can think of a million things we could/should have done better. Allow your heart to rest in knowing you raised them well, and now it’s up to God to take it from here.

Do continue to pray daily for your child’s heart and life. Prayer is powerful and new seasons of life require a lot of it. Ask God to bring people into their life who will be godly influences and help shape them in positive ways. Never cease praying for your children no matter how old they get.

Letting go of the reins of our children’s lives is hard on a mom’s heart, no matter what age they are. But when we focus on our faith instead of our worries, and trust God loves them and is their Protector, the letting go seems a little less stressful.

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Need some encouragement to help you embrace God’s peace in a new season of life or a time of transition?

Check out all of Tracie’s books HERE! 

We all do it.

We tell ourselves we’ll get to it—someday.
We’ll write the book … someday.
We’ll take that trip … someday.
We’ll start the ministry, fix the relationship, pursue the dream … someday.

But here’s the truth: someday isn’t a day on the calendar. And if we’re not intentional, “someday” becomes “never”—not because we didn’t care, but because we never made space to move.

Maybe you’re in a season that feels chaotic. Or maybe you’re just exhausted. Maybe you’re waiting for a clear sign, or for all the pieces to come together before you take that first step.

But what if all God is asking of you right now is a willing heart and a small, faithful yes?

I’ve learned—often the hard way—that the life we imagine doesn’t just “happen.” It’s built, moment by moment, decision by decision, by ordinary people who decide they don’t want to wait anymore.

Not for things to get easier.
Not for more confidence.
Not for perfect timing.

If you’re reading this today and feeling the nudge, let this be the reminder: You don’t have to wait for a wake-up call to start living with purpose.

You were created on purpose for purpose. And that dream or desire that’s been quietly stirring in your heart? It’s not random. It’s not selfish. It’s not silly.  It’s not beyond your capabilities. It might be the very thing God is trying to use to draw you closer to Him—and to bless others through you.

So what’s one thing you’ve been putting off that matters to you deeply?
Write it down.
Pray over it.
Then ask: What small step can I take this week to move in that direction?

Start small. Start scared. Start unsure.
But whatever you do—just start.

Your life doesn’t begin when everything settles down. It begins when you say yes to what matters now.

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If God has been nudging you to share your story through your writing, to write that book or start that blog …. but you’re not sure where to start or don’t know how to shape it—I’d love to help. Let’s stop waiting for someday, together.

Visit the Services Page on my site here to learn more about how I coach women who feel called to write or pursue purpose-filled dreams. Or click here to schedule a free 15-minute chat with me to talk about what’s stirring in your heart.

You don’t have to figure it all out today.  You just have to stop waiting for someday—and take one step forward in faith.

If you’ve ever prayed for healing, help, or restoration and felt like all you got in return was silence, you’re not alone.

We don’t talk about this enough in faith circles—but restoration rarely happens overnight. More often, it’s a slow, sacred process that unfolds in ways we didn’t expect and on timelines we wouldn’t have chosen.

Sometimes what God restores first isn’t the situation at all—it’s us.

Before we see evidence of anything changing on the outside, He begins a quiet, internal renovation. He restores our perspective. Our hope. Our willingness to believe that “someday” is still possible even after so many “not yets.”

That doesn’t make waiting easier, but it does make it purposeful.

I’ve walked through seasons where loss, fear, and disappointment clouded everything. I prayed for God to fix things—and while I waited, I often felt forgotten. But slowly, restoration started to show up in small, quiet ways: the return of peace I thought I’d lost forever. The gentle lifting of a heavy burden. The ability to laugh again. The strength to believe again. And eventually, the courage to trust that what is lost does not stay lost forever when God is involved.

If you’re in a season of loss, brokenness, or uncertainty, I want to remind you today:

God’s silence does not mean He’s absent.
God’s delay does not mean He’s denied your request.
God’s timing is not cruel—it’s perfectly compassionate.

Whatever you’re waiting for Him to restore—whether it’s your family, your finances, your confidence, your purpose, or your peace—know this: He sees you. He loves you. And He never lets our pain go to waste.

Your job right now isn’t to fix everything. It’s simply to surrender and trust. God can do more with your surrender than you can do with your striving.

Let Him do the rebuilding. He’s really good at it.

Want to take the next step toward healing and hope?
If you’re walking through a hard season and want help processing your story and learning how to share it through writing, I’d love to walk alongside you. You can set up a free 15-minute coaching chat to talk about the writing dreams God has placed in your heart to share your story so it can bring glory to God through your pain. Restoration starts with one small “yes.” Maybe today is the day to take yours.

CLICK HERE to set up a chat, or CLICK HERE to check out my Author Coaching Services.