Day Twenty-Two

Scripture: Psalm 118:23-25 (The Message)

“Thank you for responding to me;  you’ve truly become my salvation! The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone! This is God’s work. We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it! This is the very day God acted— let’s celebrate and be festive! Salvation now, God. Salvation now!  Oh yes, God—a free and full life!”

My lesson~ Bella’s excitement over the beginning of a new day is something to behold! So much energy, so much joy… so many kisses to give! I hope she never outgrows the enthusiastic way she greets each new day. Although I don’t usually have a fraction of her mojo, I have to admit the idea of the fresh start the New Year ahead is something that brings me excitement. For the past several years, my best friend, Faith, has given me a planner/journal. I’ve treasured this gift and use it daily. (I can’t wait to see what color she chose this year.) When I open its cover, there’s space to make a vision board, make goals, and simply dream.

I know yesterday I was realizing my need to slow down and savor this moment of Christmas. I don’t want to let go of that. However, since this will be my last post, I want to leave our time together with something we both can move toward. As you may recall, I started writing this blog to help me take the time to recognize the Lord’s work throughout my day via the gift of Bella and find a way to apply these things to my life and heart. I hope some of the lessons and/or reminders that God has shown me has also been a source of encouragement or challenge to you as well. And although I won’t be putting more of my journaling up on Facebook, perhaps it has helped slow you down too and consider the works of God, who He is, how He desires to be the foundation of our lives. 

So, at the outset of the New Year ahead, let’s plan on keeping our eyes wide open to see where He’s at work and ask Him how He wants to use us for His kingdom work. Who knows, perhaps You’ll be the one posting on Facebook next. Wouldn’t that be amazing! God could start a revival right here. :)

Prayer: Lord, this is the day that You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you, for Bella, and for my friends and family who journey alongside me. Prepare me for whatever You have in store for 2025. Thank you for walking into the unknown spaces with me; that you go before and behind me. I pray that you would grow in me an ever increasing hunger and thirst for You and Your Word. In Christs’ name, amen.

Invitation: Make a commitment to meet with God each day, read a passage of Scripture, pray, and surrender your day to Him. Then go and share the Good News, Jesus Christ is Born! 

Merry Christmas, friend.