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Spiritual Toppings: Five Principles of Starting New (1 of 5)

By Bonnie Gray • May 12, 2011 • 33 Comments

How do you keep faith fresh when you are attempting something new?

Out here in Northern California, a new fad has made a home in downtowns and strip malls.

Frozen yogurt.

I thought I’d already seen this movie once before growing up in the eighties. Remember TCBY?

Fro yo is back, except with new names like Pinkberry, with an important added novelty: exotic flavors like lychee and fun toppings like kiwi and mochi.

My favorite fro yo place is called Yogurtland.  This place makes me giddy. It features a self-serve topping bar.   I can heap on as many almonds and mini-gummi bears as I want, along with my pick of flavors.

It’s addicting because I end up wanting to go back, to try another combination of flavors.

Starting new is like enjoying a bowl of fro yo.

No matter how many times we find ourselves at the beginning of a new season, we are drawn to tasting a new experience.

God created us with a desire to grow. 

Spiritual Toppings

Sometimes, we are forced into new because something is ending.  Other times, we are inspired make a new change. There are a gazillion more reasons in between motivating us — unique to our personalities and situations.

In the coming posts, I’d love to explore some principles I’ve found to be my favorite “spiritual toppings”.  They have helped me get through many “new” experiences along my journey.

For every obstacle I’ve encountered along the way, faith has been the game changer.  With faith, God arms me with two antidotes:  encouragement and inspiration.

I’d love to share Five Principles of Starting New that have kept my faith growing, hot and fresh. They are my go-to list of encouragement whenever I attempt something new in my life, whether tiny or big.

I hope they will encourage you too.

Today, I’d like to share Principle #1.

Starting New Principle #1:  The Blessing of Manna

It doesn’t matter how many times I begin a new endeavor.

One of my first obstacles is always this:  lack of time.

Just like everyone else doing everyday life, I only have slivers of time left after the daily grind.

Many times when we try to make changes, life happens.  We can end up so discouraged or tired.  We may just want to stop trying.

There are days I have just enough energy to veg out in front of the boob tube, before pulling the covers under my chin.

Oh, great.  Another day of doing “nothing”! I’d lament, lying in the dark. If only there were more hours in a day…

Those are the days I feel like I was nothing, frustrated with the lack of time.

The Problem Of Time

Over the years, God has given me glimpses of who He wants me to become.  The specifics are fuzzy.

How do I get from where I am to where God wants me to be?

I often try to solve the problem of time — by doing more and depriving myself of rest and sleep.

I try to accomplish only what God can do:  fulfill His plan for my life.

In my fervor, I turned to my ability to produce.

Like a project at work, I can set my sights on doing something for God, rather than allowing God to do something through me.

Thankfully, God always stops me in my tracks.  Not to make me feel guilty, but to bring me back to my senses.

He does this time and again by pointing me to the blessing of manna.

The Blessing of Manna

God is never phased by my discouragement.  Smiling confidently, He gives me a picture, to see me through my time-limited days.

Manna.

“What is it?” was the name that the Israelites gave to this daily bread that fell down from heaven.

What is it? I echo, as I look at my days.  My days sure don’t seem to add up to much.


“This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Gather of it every man as much as he should eat…

… some gathered much and some little.

When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack.“  ~ Exodus 16:16-18

It was a wake up call.   Whether I gathered a little or a lot, God will still bless me in the end.

His provision for us is not given according to our efforts, but through what God has already determined.

 

Free To Believe

We are so conditioned to think 1+1 = 2, we are baffled by the blessing of manna.

I don’t understand how God is doing it, but He is making something meaningful out of our lives.

When I dare to believe that my problem isn’t with time, but belief, I become free to make the most of the time I have.  I become willing to go to God and confess my frustrations.

God, will you fulfill your purpose for me?

Help me believe.

Christ walked by faith in the backdrop of a 24 hour life in the limit of thirty-three years.  He tells us confidently:  we can do the same.

The principle of manna.  It gives me hope.  Why?  Because it frees me to believe God can do anything, even through me.

Principe #1 of Manna: Don’t give up.  Surrender to the blessing of manna. Those who gather little will not lack and those who gather much will not have excess.  What God brings into our lives is based on His provision and not our limited efforts.

~~~~~~~~

What are some new steps God is encouraging you to take?

How would the principle of manna encourage you?

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33 Comments

  • Reply Seeking First The Kingdom of God Means Concrete Action | :: in.a.mirror.dimly :: May 12, 2011 at 4:11 am

    […] more posts on this topic, visit Bonnie Gray’s blog today: 5 Principles of Starting New. Share and […]

  • Reply ed cyzewski May 12, 2011 at 4:41 am

    My wife put a Celtic saying on our fridge:
    “When God made time, he made enough of it.”

    This post reminds me of John the Baptist who said that we can only accept what God has given us (my paraphrase). It’s all about getting on the same page as God and using his resources to accomplish his goals. I think a lot of times I think that I need to do big things for God by figuring out what to do and and then finding all of the resources I need to get there. However, it’s so refreshing to know that God knows exactly what we need in order to accomplish his good and perfect will. It really takes the pressure off.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:11 am

      A wise wife you’ve got there, Ed! “Big things” for God…. oh, now that is another great series to explore too.

  • Reply Melissa May 12, 2011 at 4:44 am

    The principle of manna reminds me that if God is calling me to do something, He will equip me to do it. In the past year or so, I’ve seen Him do things through me that I could not have believed. For example, I have panic attacks at the very thought of public speaking. When I was asked to give an announcement at my church, I had to set aside my own fear and just trust Him! He gave me the peace that I needed, and it turned out fine. (Afterward, though, I kept thinking, “Did I really do that?” 🙂 )

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:12 am

      That’s awesome, Melissa! Manna falling down and you picking up. 😉

  • Reply Lisa notes... May 12, 2011 at 4:53 am

    Bonnie, I don’t know what your next four principles will be, but your first one is exactly what I need. Because I often think my problem IS time, but as you say,

    “When I dare to believe that my problem isn’t with time, but belief, I become free to make the most of the time I have.”

    I need to grab hold of the principle of manna today. My to-do list is popping off its buttons and I don’t know how I’m going to get it all done, but I need to trust that God will accomplish through me what HE wants accomplished, and I can rest in that.

    Thanks for another great post! I look forward to the next four as well.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:14 am

      Thanks for jamming together, Lisa!

  • Reply Dawn May 12, 2011 at 5:25 am

    Thank you for this post. This principle hit me square between the eyes! I also really like what Ed said in the comment section. I often times “search” for what God wants me to do, and end up frustrated. I need to let God show me and quit rushing around in circles:)

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:15 am

      Thanks, Dawn! 😉

  • Reply Doris May 12, 2011 at 5:58 am

    I love this teaching about ‘manna’. I used to apply that to ‘material needs’ only. But God has thrilled me in the past few days in showing me how to handle a difficult inter-personal relationship No one has to answer to me! They have to answer to God. My job is to love the individual thru Christ in me. (I can do that!) Recognize the true need in the individual and to share ‘my Jesus’ with said individual in a very loving way. (I can do that!) That frees me up, fills my day with joy and hope. Christ’s love in me is my abundant ‘manna’ for this situation.
    The heavy weight is lifted. I’m free!!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:16 am

      Amazing, Doris. Thanks for sharing the spiritual manna you’ve received.

  • Reply Monica Sharman May 12, 2011 at 6:21 am

    When I was in high school, the big rage was Penguins Frozen Yogurt. I just heard there’s a Penguinland in Denver!

    Bonnie, you really hit home with me on this. The yogurt thing, it’s not new, just like (for me) humility. In 2006 I began to seriously think about humility because it was the theme for that year’s women’s ministry at a church I was connected with. But humility was not a focus for just that year; it’s a lifelong thing, so I’m glad that it keeps coming back (because PRIDE keeps coming back).

    Sometimes I go a while without any major pride issues (though pride is always a danger). This past week I had a BIG bout with pride, so thank God for His reminders to humility.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:17 am

      I remember Penguins too, Monica! At the mall! 🙂 Yum…

  • Reply David Rupert May 12, 2011 at 6:30 am

    I get comfortable in my life…and i just don’t want to trust in God anymore. And I simply don’t want to try anything new. I like my yogurt plain, thank you very much.

    But God has given us an entire planet full of toppings — things that he does “just cuz!”

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:19 am

      There is a season for everything. 😉 Thanks for jamming, David!

  • Reply Dee May 12, 2011 at 6:39 am

    It seems to me you’re talking about grace and I’m just beginning to understand what this is. I’ve heard about it all of my life it seems but did not begin to understand it until I read FALLING UPWARD by Fr. Richard Rohr. I know I’ve struggled to know what God wanted with my life and am finding He wants relationship, and I need to be near Him a lot. It’s good to hear that He is working out His purpose in me because I often wonder. Thanks so much…your messages find me right where I am. BTW…I just found Sweet Frog and really have enjoyed my fro yo there. 🙂

    • Reply Bonnie Gray May 12, 2011 at 7:20 am

      Dee, thanks for sharing! 😉

  • Reply Nina May 12, 2011 at 7:36 am

    This was the perfect post for me to read this morning. I almost couldn’t sleep last night with all the exciting new ideas running through my head. For years, I have wanted to do something to incorporate my creativity (writing, photography, cardmaking, etc.) into something that could both glorify God and supplement my income. As I began rethinking what my blog was going to be about and how I would write it (thanks to one of your other posts), I also began to realize that I couldn’t continue to blame lack of time for pursuing more creative outlets. I needed to prioritize. So, I’m working on putting together an Etsy site to share some of the things I create with others. Once I really began to commit to it and pull materials together to start, the ideas that began to flow were like manna from heaven. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

  • Reply Jill @ Sweet Diva May 12, 2011 at 8:22 am

    How appropriate that I found your post today…..so timely for me! I have found a new favorite blog through “Thought Provoking Thursdays” ~ now subscribed and following via FB. I will def. be back frequently! =)

  • Reply Stepping Out In Something New…or Not | Kristine Remixed May 12, 2011 at 8:42 am

    […]   […]

  • Reply Laura May 12, 2011 at 9:36 am

    Bonnie,
    You words are the manna to me today: just what I needed. I posted yesterday about the “striving” I have been doing all my life–trying to achieve in my flesh. So, your words here are confirmation. Thank you. I might link up that post a little later today. Love to you!

  • Reply Merissa May 12, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Bonnie, this post was so incredibly encouraging to me today. I just started a new job, where I’m teaching and I am totally out of my comfort zone. I have spent hours this week preparing and I still feel so unprepared!! It causes anxiety. I really needed to be reminded of God’s provision. God spoke to me through your post just now, and He assured me that His provision for me is always enough. I can lean on that, and chillax.
    God bless you!

  • Reply Courtney May 12, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Wonderful! I never thought of manna this way before, but you are so right: “What God brings into our lives is based on His provision and not on our limited efforts.” Love that. I look forward to reading your other principles.

  • Reply messymarriage May 12, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    Very encouraging! I haven’t quite thought of God’s provision for my lack of time this way before. It helps me to not fear “getting enough done” each day. And, boy, do I need that lately! 🙂

  • Reply Sandra Heska King May 12, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Not according to *my* effort. Not according to *my* effort. Not according to *my* effort.

  • Reply marina bromley May 12, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    GREAT post…and *timely* (pun intended)
    I’ve spent the past 2 days in bed- barely enough energy to even watch tv. Sick. Again. I so don’t get it.
    I needed the spiritual kick in the pants for my healthy days….because He’s opened doors and I sit on my hands (still) and don’t get up off the couch. (ouch) Teach me God to use my time wisely. Every. Moment. Of. Every. Day.
    thanks. 🙂

  • Reply Jeri T. May 12, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    God is calling me to grow deeper into forgiveness. I’m overwhelmed by how much freer I am each time a situation like this comes up. I know He’s doing new things in our lives when this happens. So exciting.

    I love your spiritual toppings. Manna is delicious!

    Soon as blogger is up and running I’ll post my blog. Much love to you Bonnie. I am refreshed every time I read the life words here. Praise God!

  • Reply cathleen May 12, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    the following is what i needed to know today. THANK YOU and FATHERGOD too!

    “His provision for us is not given according to our efforts, but through what God has already determined.

    Free To Believe
    We are so conditioned to think 1+1 = 2, we are baffled by the blessing of manna.

    I don’t understand how God is doing it, but He is making something meaningful out of our lives.

    When I dare to believe that my problem isn’t with time, but belief, I become free to make the most of the time I have. I become willing to go to God and confess my frustrations.

    God, will you fulfill your purpose for me?

    Help me believe.

    Christ walked by faith in the backdrop of a 24 hour life in the limit of thirty-three years. He tells us confidently: we can do the same.

    The principle of manna. It gives me hope. Why? Because it frees me to believe God can do anything, even through me.

    Principe #1 of Manna: Don’t give up. Surrender to the blessing of manna. Those who gather little will not lack and those who gather much will not have excess. What God brings into our lives is based on His provision and not our limited efforts.”

  • Reply Melinda Lancaster May 14, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    Hi Bonnie:

    I’m just now getting to this post. God’s timing is perfect. I feel a few months behind on everything and my purpose seems to be getting fuzzier.
    In all of my reading of the Israelites journey to the Promised Land, I never noticed the verses you pointed out in Exodus 16. Or let’s just say that I missed the most important part.
    The “principle of manna” has the power to be very freeing. I really needed to stop in at this very moment in time.
    Thanks for another encouraging word.

  • Reply sapir May 16, 2011 at 2:54 am

    “When I dare to believe that my problem isn’t with time, but belief, I become free to make the most of the time I have. ”
    i take this sentence with me.
    great article!

  • Reply Hazel I. Moon May 16, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Partaking of the Manna daily, even a little was enough to sustain the children of God, and it will also sustain us. Something new if often looked at with questions, especially if it is new to us in the Spirit. In God He offers new to us daily and we are to eat what he places on our plate. We whine and say, but I have never had this before! He says, go ahead and take of it, and it will do you good.
    Your post will cause many to consider and think !!

  • Reply TRACI May 19, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Hey, I voted for you… will u vote for me?

    http://www.circleofmoms.com/blogger/ordinary-inspirations

    GREAT BLOG!

  • Reply Stepping Out In Something New...or Not - Kristine McGuire September 22, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    […]   […]

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