Tag: resolution

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Will You Be the One?

The Manna Chef

As we conclude 2025, I encourage you to take a look at just how much God has done for you throughout the year.  God truly is a Keeper, and He takes such good care of His children.  He has left nothing to chance concerning your life! 

For those Sisters who have encountered struggles throughout the year, please know that God has not forgotten you.  In Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV), God says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.”  God has taken notice of everything that has happened to you this year.  And even when things have felt like they are to your detriment, Romans 8:28 says that they will ultimately work out for your good.  Don’t give up, Sisters!  Our God has the final say—always!

Those who know me personally know that I do not write a New Year’s Resolution with a long list of things I’m supposed to complete during the upcoming year.  God showed me many years ago that my “goals” were wearing me out because I had not consulted Him as I made that extensive list.   Why begin the year entangled in tasks that I have set?  I need to be free to move according to the Spirit of God, not distracted by never-ending to-do lists.  

So instead, I complete a “gratitude list” of all of the blessings that God has given me throughout the current year.  (And that list is immense!!)  Each year, I am brought to tears when I see just how much God really has taken care of me.  I am blown away as I reflect on each month of the year.  I cannot help but to feel incredibly grateful, humble, and loved! 

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Entrée

“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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Entrée

Time for Reflection

The Manna Chef

The end of the year always allows time for me to reflect on my life—the events of the current year and those of past years.  Those who know me well know that I no longer create a list of resolutions for the upcoming year.  God instructed me several years ago to stop creating a list that would ultimately cause me to become discouraged when I could not achieve everything on the list.  (My lists were extensive!)  I would become slightly depressed when I realized a whole year had gone by and I didn’t complete the list that I had made.  Notice, I said the list that I had made, because in the past, I didn’t really seek God as I made the list.  My lists were full of positive goals and great aspirations, they just weren’t necessarily for me at that time and definitely not where I was going to need to focus my energy.  How many of you can relate to that?

God began to teach me that He would empower me to accomplish all the things that He had planned for me in the year to come—and He even promised to guide my actual steps to do what He was calling me to do.  So, instead of a list of New Year’s resolutions, God instructed me to write a list of the blessings I received and experienced throughout the current year; it’s my gratitude list.  And each year, I am blown away by just how much God has moved on my behalf and how He has left nothing to chance concerning me.  I am so grateful to God!  And I really enjoy creating the list.  I encourage you to take some time and actually write a list of the blessings you received in 2019. 

Sisters, if you choose to write resolutions, seek God first so that you can focus your energy where it needs to be.  And for those who may inevitably choose to focus on some challenges 2019 has brought, you are still here, God is still moving, and if you have faith to believe that God has the final say, you will soar to heights you never imagined!

But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Wishing you continued blessings in 2020! Happy New Year, Sisters!