God Always Comes Through

Praise always, especially in the rain!

Philippians 4:6-9 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are ltrue, whatever things are mnoble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

God’s goodness is always present, guiding us with the words we need to hear. Recently, I have learned some challenges of a loved one that has weighed heavily on my heart and soul. Add the current events unfolding in the world – from solar eclipses to earthquakes, rumors of war, resurfacing viruses, and collapsing bridges – my spirit has felt burdened. Even though I find solace in knowing that God listens to my prayers and works everything for the good of those who love Him. Last night, I was feeling overwhelmed, I searched for verse 4:6, and to my surprise, Philippians 4:6 appeared. Instantly, a sense of peace washed over me, prompting me to share this moment with you.

The world is going to get ugly. It’s going to go through seasons and transformation just as we we go through seasons and transformation; but God never changes! He has a plan for us.

Embrace this season with an open and clear heart, knowing that God’s goodness is always present, guiding us with the words we need to hear. Despite the challenges faced by your loved one and the heavy burdens on your heart and soul, take comfort in the fact that God listens to your prayers and works everything for the good of those who love Him.

In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, it’s essential to hold on to the unchanging nature of God’s love and His divine plan for each of us. When feeling overwhelmed, turn to the Scriptures for solace and guidance. The verse Philippians 4:6 reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Remember, as the world goes through its seasons of transformation and challenges, hold on to your faith and trust in God’s unwavering presence. Keep Philippians 4:6-9 close to your heart, meditate on these powerful words, and let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Stay strong in your faith, continue to pray with belief, and praise Him in all circumstances

May your heart be full of love and peace

Vicki Manuel

The Love of God is Everywhere!

Four years ago, amid a global crisis, I encountered personal challenges on various fronts. It felt like everything in my life was under attack – my relationships, marriage, finances, and even transportation. In the midst of these struggles, I sought guidance and wisdom from the Lord. My mental well-being was fragile, and I battled feelings of being unloved and insignificant. Throughout it all, God provided unwavering support. His comforting presence was a constant reassurance every day, like a warm embrace.

Our purpose is to share His love, to receive love, and to give love. Love conquers all. Corinthians 13:13, When this need is unmet, He will even use unexpected means, as shown in Luke 19:40-44. Within a few days, these items were delivered to me. That isn’t a rose, it’s a Bok Choy! I love His messages.

Love is a powerful force that connects us all. It has the ability to overcome any obstacle and bring light into even the darkest of situations. In Luke 19:40-44, we are reminded of the ways in which love can manifest itself unexpectedly, showing us that when we are open to receiving it, love can enter our lives in the most surprising ways.

These items were sent to me as a reminder that the Lord has the power to work through mysterious and unforeseen channels. It is a beautiful testament to the fact that when we are aligned with Jesus and open to His presence, miracles can unfold before our very eyes.

Let this be a gentle nudge from the Lord, a whisper of love reminding you that you are always supported and cared for. Embrace this love, hold it close to your heart, and watch as it transforms your life in ways you never thought possible. Remember, love conquers all, and when we allow it to guide us, we are truly unstoppable.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Vicki Manuel

Is unforgiveness stealing from Jesus?

During a conversation with my husband, I said these words: “Unforgiveness is stealing.” Upon reflection, I realized that harboring feelings of hate, revenge, or other negative emotions hinders us from embracing Jesus’s love fully. God is a jealous God, and conflicting beliefs cannot coexist. Jesus yearns to encompass our entire selves, not just a part. Therefore, forgiveness is not for others but for ourselves. Letting go of past pain and hurt is the key to forgiveness. Just as Lot’s wife glanced back, unforgiveness is akin to looking back. Healing is essential for our well-being.

The moment you invite Jesus into your life, He is by your side. He will aid you in shedding aspects that no longer serve you, abandoning old beliefs, and revealing your identity in Christ. By allowing Him, He will guide you with His love and grace.

When does unforgiveness become stealing? When you refuse to let go, when you become stubborn and disobedient. Will He still love you? Of course, but you are slowing down your progress of walking in your purpose that He has for you. Unforgiveness is like a heavy chain that binds us, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of life and love that Jesus offers. It’s a barrier that separates us from the grace and mercy of God. By clinging onto grudges and resentment, we are essentially robbing ourselves of the peace and freedom that forgiveness brings.

When we choose to forgive, we release the burden of carrying anger and bitterness in our hearts. We open ourselves up to the healing power of forgiveness, allowing love to flow in and through us. Just as Jesus forgave those who wronged Him, we are called to do the same.

Forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves and others, a gift that sets us free from the chains of unforgiveness.

As we journey with Jesus, we learn to let go of the things that weigh us down and embrace the truth of who we are in Him. His love is transformative, His grace is sufficient. When we surrender our hurts and pains to Him, He restores and heals us, guiding us towards our true purpose.So, let go of unforgiveness, release the chains that bind you, and embrace the freedom that forgiveness brings. Trust in Jesus, allow His love to fill your heart, and walk boldly in the purpose He has for you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Isaiah 43:18-19 – Philippians 3:12 -Romans 12:2 – Jeremiah 29:11 – Romans 8:10 – 11 – James 3:10-17

Hugs and Blessings

Vicki Manuel

J.A.N.U.A.R.Y.

January 2019
As the new year begins remember you are not alone.

I absolutely love getting these acronyms to get me through the month; this month I also received a word for the year; I will share at a later time.

What does DMV and Church have in common?

I know, some of you are appalled that I can compare church to DMV but here me out. Think about this.

When you walk into a DMV we all have a purpose, we all have a task that we want to complete. We are all waiting for our number to be called. Are you going in or will you allow the people stop you from completing your task?

When you walk into a church you walk in, you go in with a purpose in why you are there, you have a task to complete. You are waiting to see our Almighty Father; waiting for your number to be called. Are you going in or will you allow the people stop you from completing your task?

“Let Freedom Ring”

“Let Freedom Ring”

As I sit here on Independence Day I ponder those words what does it actually mean? As I am on this journey of this thing we call life I am discovering that we sing of “freedom” on special holidays but why? Why, are we only celebrating freedom about 3 days a year? 

When we know Christ we have “freedom” everyday when we allow ourselves to “let go and let God”.

L.I.F.E.

L.I.F.E. Living – Inviting – Feeling – Engaging.

While the new year approaches it brings a time of reflection, looking back on the past year remembering the roller coaster ride of life. Some of you may see the wonderful aspects of the year and others will see where they have fallen short. Did you fulfill your resolutions last year or did they peter off within the second week? Sometimes the most positive people feel like they have failed. Failed their friends, their family or even themselves.

Today as I spoke to a wonderful friend this hit me and I wanted to share with all of you.

Life isn’t if we succeed or fail, Life is way more than that.

Life = Living – Inviting – Feeling – Engaging — Living our life to the fullest, Inviting others to join us, Feel each and ever emotion, Engaging in our spiritual self —  Our life is full of energy, love, and light. We may trip, stumble and even fall flat on our face but that is all part of living,  learning and growing.

Failing is when we believe that we are are not worthy; feeling as if we are not worthy of learning and growing — Not worthy of the love we are given by all – Not worthy to try..That is when we fail, when we give up or not even try at all.

WE are strong WE are WORTHY of all that comes our way good and bad because we are human and we will have obstacles. When we come to this obstacle we can crawl under it, we can leap over with both feet off the ground,  or we can climb over one leg at a time. Failure is when we don’t give the opportunity a chance, we give up before we even get it a try. Life gives us opportunities to learn and grow. We are worthy of doing so.

WE are God’s Children HE is always WORTHY and HE is in each and everyone of us so give into LIFE. Enjoy your opportunities and never think of yourself as a failure.

 

T.G.F.J.

On the way to a Christmas Program I was in awe by the beautiful sky, the blue clouds that lined the deep blue sky. The mountains breaking through the bare trees was a must see. I truly can’t describe how remarkable it was. All I could do was just take it all in and Thank God for the remarkable view. The Christmas Program was perfect and it reminded me once again how very blessed we all are.

Christmas is not only over commercialized, been changed to meet others needs; the day may have changed, the traditions muffled but in the end there is only ONE true reason why Christmas exists today.

God gave Mary a child and Jesus was born. Jesus was born, gave us Faith, Hope, Joy and LOVE! He died for our sins and blessed us with more we can ever imagine.

So on December 25th every year I celebrate God’s gift to us all. I celebrate the “Christ”mas Spirit…Not santa clause but the TRUE spirit. The spirit that lives inside each of us. The spirit that gets closed out throughout the year by the hatred, the greediness, the ugliness of the world.

The ironic thing is, if we celebrated “Christ”mas everyday and have acknowledged Jesus as our savior we would always feel the Spirit. For the Spirit never dies, it never goes away..It is always there with unconditional love waiting to be noticed once again.

Without Christ there would be no “Christ”mas so today I Thank God for Jesus! For giving us hope, joy and love to all of us!

May each and everyone of you be blessed today and days after. I pray to all of those who are lost that you will be found by Christ’s light.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Hugs, Love and Prayers,
Vicki Manuel​

 

S.A.D.

Originally posted in 
E Vero Magazine

 Do you suffer from…? 

You are not alone. S.A.D. is common but can be managed.

I do, but I never knew it even existed until recently. I also never made the correlation until I went back to school and learned how to listen to my body.  I am not the only one that suffers from this and if you are a woman you are more likely to get it than a man would.

I suffer from SAD. Not sadness like an average person goes through, but Seasonal Affective Disorder. The definition from definition.com defines it as this: noun – recurrent winter depression characterized by oversleeping, overeating, and irritability, and relieved by the arrival of spring or by light therapy. Abbreviation:  SAD  Origin: 1980–85
4 – 6 percent of the population has S.A.D.s it is 4 times more common in women than men. The further north you go the greater chances of you suffering from it.

Do you live in the moment?

Chatting with my niece last night, praising her on how her and her brother truly grab the world by the horns. Everything they do they put their whole heart into it and succeed. This is what she replied back, and I wanted to share with you.

Next time you are faced with an opportunity are you going to grab it by the horns or are you going to allow fear and doubt get in the way?

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10
7 Go thy way , eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest .

Hugs and Blessings,

Vicki