Tag: gratitude

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“Who Did It?”

The Manna Chef

Anyone who knew my mother would respond, “God did it!”  That was her life mantra—a reminder that God will do the impossible for His children because He is in control of all things at all times.  She knew how to shift the environment and usher in praise and worship.  Our Father is beyond good to us, and He is always moving on our behalf.

As we approach the ending of another year, I want to encourage you to maintain an attitude of gratitude for all that the Lord has done for you.  He has provided everything you needed throughout the year, so why not take a moment to say, “Thank You, Lord!”?

Those of you who know me personally know that I no longer complete a list of New Year resolutions.  I used to have such an expansive to-do list, and it was ridiculous.  No one person could accomplish that list.  Interestingly, I did not consult the Lord before writing the list.  I just decided that I was going to accomplish everything on it.  Then, at the end of the following year, I would be discouraged because I could not complete the list that I created.  And then, God led me to Proverbs 19:21 (NLT):

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

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Wrapped up in Gratitude

The Manna Chef

Sisters, as we approach the end of another year, I want to encourage you to start your gratitude list for 2022.  As many of you know, I no longer make New Year resolutions.  Many years ago, God instructed me to make a “Gratitude List” instead, so that I would not be weighed down a few months into the new year—when I realized that I was not checking things off that extensive list.  

You know how we do: we work out and eat healthy for a few weeks. We try to develop a pattern of good habits or commit to mastering something new. We are determined to make real life changes, too, except that those changes barely make it through January and February, because in the middle of all of those great plans, life happens.

So, I want to offer you a whole new perspective. I encourage you to close out the year in gratitude. And instead of giving yourself a list of things to determine your success for the upcoming year, open your heart to the possibilities that God has waiting just for you!! Doesn’t that sound liberating?

For the next several days, I want you to set aside some time to simply reflect on God’s goodness to you throughout this year and make a list.  And, yes, I do mean an actual list, whether you type it or write it.

Let me get you started:

Gratitude List for 2022

I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done. (Psalm 9:1 NLT)

(Now start listing the wonderful things that God has done for you in 2022!)

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Selah

The Manna Chef

As we prepare to leave 2020 behind and head into a new year, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on all of the blessings that God has sent our way—yes, even in the midst of a global pandemic.  Think about is, Sisters:  we have survived a tumultuous year!  We have managed to adapt in ways that have stretched us beyond what we even knew we were capable of doing.  And we’re still here moving about our days in excellence.  Thank God for that!

As many of you know, I do not complete a list of New Year’s resolutions, and this year will be no different.  Instead of the resolution list, I make a gratitude list of all the blessings I received throughout the year.  Sisters, I encourage you to do the same, especially this year. 

I have heard many people do nothing but complain throughout most of the year.  But for me, I choose to land on grateful.  Yes, I’ve had to adapt and create new ways to be effective in my everyday life, but God has seen me through all of it.  And yes, I’ve had some tears throughout the year, but they don’t even compare to the deep belly laughs I’ve enjoyed.  So I decided, why waste my energy on everything that seemed to go wrong, when I can use that same energy to celebrate the joy that I have experienced?  (Besides, the gratitude list actually brings joy and strength since the joy of the Lord is my strength.)

Do yourself a favor today and start your gratitude list.  God has kept you, and you have made it through 2020.  And He has promised more for you in the upcoming year!  (Well, I just gave you three to start your list!)

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Thank You, Lord

The Manna Chef

Sisters, I want you to do something for me today.  You see, today it’s going to be very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that Thanksgiving Day may bring.  Let’s face it:  if you didn’t start last night, some of you are up right now trying to get that turkey in the oven.  Others, like me, are on the road traveling to your holiday destination.  There’s so much to do, right?  Your list may look something like:

o Clean the house.

o Prepare for guests.

o Cook a delicious dinner and dessert.

o Get the kids ready and keep them occupied.

o Do I have time for a nap?

o What am I even wearing?

o Plan for tomorrow’s (or tonight’s) shopping.

But, wait!  Have you taken a moment to just say, “Thank you, Lord”?  Did you spend some quality time with your Heavenly Father this morning?  Will you take a moment to read His Word and to talk to Him today?  Will you make Him a priority in your busy day?

Right now, take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God.  Things may not be perfect today, but the Lord you serve has everything under control.  He knows just how to take care of you and sprinkle sunshine in your life.  Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed in the midst of the demands that are trying to make their way to you right now.  You are a daughter of the King.  Breathe.  Relax.  Smile. Laugh—a lot!  Enjoy time spent with family and friends.

I encourage you throughout the day to simply find yourself in the place of gratitude.  Think of all of the blessings you have received just this year.  Look at how many times God has moved on your behalf and all of the ways He has made just for you.  (You know He has created a road in your wilderness and a river in your desert!  (Isaiah 43:19))  He has blessed you so many times!

And before you ask God for another thing, take the time to say, “Father, I just want to thank You!”