God has a place prepared for you this day called Beautiful. Wrap yourself in it and he wraps himself around you. Present your requests to Him and let the word of the Lord sink in. He is not too big or busy for you. Even your simplest request is his delight to accomplish for you.

Many years ago, on my journey to learn how to live by faith financially, it was a very lean season and every penny was accounted for. I had been wanting a new coat and was in need of one. But truly, I live in California so it is not severely difficult to get by without it. So I asked God about it and requested to be blessed. When I have a need, great or small, I generally tell no one. I prefer stealthiness. This way is more exciting for me to see the provision complete in God. Myself and no one else will be able to say I manipulated the situation or made it happen. (Don't get me wrong, there is definite benefit to praying for each other and sharing requests, but not always.) Well, God showed up in glorious measure. I have a dear friend who lives in another Nor Cal town whom I only see a few times a year. She called me up and told me her husband had taken her on a shopping spree and she had not tried on anything she got in a major U.S. Fashion renown city out of state. She had selected a coat that was far too similar to one she already had and wanted to give it to me. I was delighted! Not just because of the thoughtful generosity of my friend, but I could see God was answering my prayer in it. Not only did He lean on her heart to grant my request, He did it in absolute style and elegance. This coat was much fancier than anything I would have bought. I felt a bit decadent in it. But every time I wore it I was complimented and this again, was a reminder of God's Goodness.

I later shared this story and had someone tell me it was wrong to ask God for a coat. I couldn't disagree more. He is an intimate friend who cares about our every need. Do not concede from sharing the deepest region of your heart, your love and your needs from him. He is there for you only as much as you want to let him in. Let this new year begin with you beginning again to embark on a deeper level of commitment to your confidence in Him. He will keep you going. ~Nicole

"The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph 3:17