Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, a friend shared that as this year ends, she sensed You, Lord, telling her to "Receive My Peace." She realizes that peace is probably everyone's deepest need; that You, Lord, long to pour Yourself into our neediness. She added that her pastor shared 2 Corinthians 4:7; she quoted, "But we are this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

She already knew we're all made as a jar of clay, that we're set apart for sacred use; that You, Lord, want to fill us with your Being. She also knew that You want us to whisper Your Name in loving tenderness which already lives in our spirit and will gradually work its way through our entire being. She smiled and added, "Isn't that a great thought to carry us on into the New Year?"

As we begin a fresh new year, we'll accept that today is a precious gift from You, Lord; we rejoice that You, work to put newness into our lives, for a fresh start!

My friend added, "We know the Lord has strewn little pleasures alongside our pathway; sometimes in surprising places; He's told us to be sure to thank Him and to keep close to Him as He helps us find joy in our journey. 'Expect me to do surprising things in this year that stretches out before you.'"

My friend ended, saying; "Let's whisper His Name in loving tenderness as we repeat Psalm 118:24, 'This is the day that the Lord has make let us rejoice and be glad in it.' We know that joy awaits each one of us in paradise which is inexpressible and full of glory."

As we prepare to step into a new year, let Heaven's Light shine upon each of us, brightening the path just before us. Thank You, Lord, for a new year!

Love, Mara.