Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55: 6 NASB

     I chuckled as I lathered my feet with Vicks. No one ever seems to notice its distinct fragrance. Then I sat down to blog and noticed my two miss-matched cabin socks and laughed harder.

What a perfect depiction of the past year!

     Truth is—I don’t like New Year resolutions. However, the only one I’ve ever made, I kept. Ten years ago, I made a decision to read the Bible in a year, and God began His refining work in me. I’d always been disciplined and performance driven; so, He thought it better to reverse the rhythm of my day and teach me to walk slower, peer under and further, and care deeper in uncomfortable intimacy.

A baby changed my heart, thoughts, and doing.  

     I love Christmas even more after Christmas. I paint more cards, bake my husband his favorite Hershey Kiss cookies, and hike our land slow and purposeful, seeking winter’s hidden beauty. I usually finish “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp after our rushed celebrations. She’d written: 

At the foot of the cradle of Christ, like at the foot of the cross of Christ, there are no big people—no powerful, no proud. There are only those who tramp to the manger with nothing. 

     Whether you’re a miss-matched ragamuffin like me, or a zealous resolution keeper, we’re all manger tramps in need of a Savior. A decade ago, I prayed that God reveal more of Himself to me in the New Year. And He has never stopped. He invites you to come as you are, weak and weary, bruised and broken. His grace is also for the one who repents of self-sufficiency.

     Prince of Peace, we need You. Let your name be the first on our lips each morning. Guard our thoughts, minds, and hearts. Grant us victory over our battles. We pray for Your wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. Teach us to love as You with open arms and ready hands. Help us to extend empathy, mercy, and forgiveness. Keep us faithful to your calling. Give us the courage to speak the good news of the gospel. Let our lives be a pleasing aroma that brings glory to you.  

May others become curious of the change in us and seek the Lord. 

Whether you make a resolution today or not, I encourage you to read God’s Word. Set your heart on knowing Him. There is victory and peace for the one who trusts in Him.

Happy New Year!

Lily Mae

Awake, awake,
Clothe yourself in your strength, O Zion; clothe yourself in your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city . . . shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem. How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness. Isaiah 52: 1, 2, 7 NASB