Patient Hope

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. – (Romans 8:25, NIV) 

But we are hoping for something we don’t have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently. – (Romans 8:25, ERV) 

So because our hope is set on what is yet to be seen, we patiently keep on waiting for its fulfillment. – (Romans 8:25, TPT) 

Hope is that beautiful space within us that believes and trusts that what is promised, the things that are longed for, will one day be fulfilled or come to pass. Our ultimate hope, the very thing we long for and have been promised, is an eternity in heaven if we choose believe and receive all that the Lord is offering. We have a lifetime to wait for it, yet it is hope worth holding. Hope is housed in that which is yet to be seen. In pregnancy, though the season of waiting feels long, especially near the end, the patient waiting is well worth the hope that has been held, when at last the newborn child is placed in one’s arms. Currently, one of my hopes that I am waiting for is to have a puppy that will listen and not be bitey. Though I don’t always see the well-mannered, obedient puppy yet, I have hope that with training and patience, what I desire most for our sweet Thor, will be realized. Incredibly, in the same way that I see glimpses of good behavior and obedience in our puppy, God grants us glimpses of His glory. All of creation reflects His beauty and majesty, reminding us of all that is yet to come. May we hold fast to the hope we have in Jesus, as He is faithful to all His promises. 

Anticipation, 

With patience, we wait; 

The Lord is faithful, 

Grows hope as we pray. 

All that He’s promised, 

Will soon come to pass; 

The Lord’s never late, 

He hears what we ask. 

God brings us beauty, 

Where ashes once stood; 

His love never ends, 

His promises, good. 

Let us choose to seek, 

It’s how hope is found; 

Patience, persistence, 

God’s glory surrounds. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can hold fast to the hope we have in You, for Your promises are true and You are faithful to fulfill as that You say You will do. Forgive us for our lack of patience when the fulfillment is a longer wait than we think it should be. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would patiently wait for all of the good that is yet to come. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may recognize Your goodness and grace through how we love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold onto hope, and patiently wait for all that is yet to come. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:5

Trust in His Present Help

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – (Isaiah 41:10, NIV) 

Don’t worry – I am with you. Don’t be afraid – I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory. – (Isaiah 41:10, ERV) 

Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with My strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand. – (Isaiah 41:10, TPT) 

God is faithful to His promise to be present to help, in both small and great things. Yesterday, we took our Lab puppy, Thor, on a couple of hikes. The first took us along Lake Easton, down to the state park campgrounds, and then on a bit further to the river below the dam. Thor loved the water, and happily waded and drank his fill of the fresh, cool water. Later in the afternoon, after witnessing his love and seeming fearlessness, we took him on a hike around the lake, and first found a small cove with a few feet of beach-like terrain. Each step he became a bit more daring about going further out. At last, we decided to see if he would swim. Though there was a bit of fear in each of us, for it was a first and required trust, Thor galloped out past where he could touch to retrieve a stick, and swam as he was born to do. Our hearts were strengthened as we watched the faithfulness of God in how He created our sweet pup, and we then took him further on the trail to the boat launch area. Once there, we began to throw the same stick out a bit further each time he retrieved it, our hearts growing in trust a bit more each time. When we determined Thor had done enough, we began our trek back to our campground. Thor was emboldened, and was actually protesting as we were leaving; jumping and attempting to nip at us to encourage us to turn back around. He settled back down when he was able to take part of the leash in his mouth, allowing him to think he was leading us back. Though I know this is a small thing, it is still an example of having to trust. The more we trust in the small things, the more we are prepared to trust when trials and difficulties come our way. May we ever look to the Lord and trust in Him, for He is faithful to strengthen us and hold us up with His mighty hands. 

Do not be afraid, 

For God’s always near; 

To comfort, strengthen, 

And wash away fear. 

The Lord’s mighty hands, 

In love, hold us up; 

Protect, empower, 

He fills empty cups. 

In spaces of fear, 

He often will show; 

Beautiful new things, 

To help our hearts grow. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to meet us wherever we are; be it in small things or tremendous trials. Thank You that You strengthen us and uphold us with Your mighty, loving hands. Forgive us for the spaces where fear overwhelms us. Teach us to trust You more, as You are ever present to help, and faithful to love us through all things. Show us how to love, encourage and strengthen those around us in the same way that You do as You lovingly walk alongside us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be present to help and strengthen us in all things as You uphold us with Your loving hands. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Praise for the Mommas

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the times to come. – (Proverbs 31:25, HCSB)

She is a strong person, and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence. – (Proverbs 31:25, ERV)

Clothed in strength and dignity, with nothing to fear, she smiles when she thinks about the future. – (Proverbs 31:25, VOICE)

I am blessed to have such a mother, and many mother-like people who have been a part of my life when I needed them most. God gives such traits to those who earnestly seek Him, and a heart to love and provide, protect and promote peace, are some of the ways that His love is made clearly known. Despite the monumental challenges my own mom has faced (and continues to endure), her joy is contagious when she knows that she will see or speak with beloved family and friends. Incredibly, throughout my life, there have been a number of mother-like women who have spoken into my life, provided encouragement, strength, care and kindness, that propelled me to press on. As a child, there were all of my aunts, my mom’s dearest friends, and of course, my own mom. In my teen years, there were youth leaders, teachers, coaches, and more, whose strength and respect were admired and something to aspire to follow. Throughout adulthood, and especially becoming a mom myself, those who had more life experience were ever ready to offer encouragement and support. Even now, the things that my mom and grandma spoke into my life clearly resound as I navigate all that life brings. This is an ongoing journey of discovery, to become the woman that God has made me to be. He is good, and He provides what we need as it is needed, and brings amazing women into our lives to be the heart that encourages, supports, strengthens and lifts up when we need it most. My hope is that I am able to do the same for those around me, for I know the incredible blessings that I have been given and hope to do likewise. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love as He loves, and give Him thanks for all of the mommas in our lives.

All thanks be to God,

for all that He gives;

the moms in our lives,

that teach us to live.

Their strength inspires,

us to be our best;

to trust in Jesus,

through all of life’s tests.

Dignity, honor,

and uplifting ways;

belong to the ones,

who love us always.

May we remember,

and choose celebrate;

the ones He’s given,

throughout all our days.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for those whom we know;

their help and goodness,

ever help us grow.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of mothers and those who are mom-like to others. Thank You for my mom, who not only loves us well, but has loved so many others and has show Your goodness and grace in spaces it had been lacking. Forgive us for the opportunities we pass up to love well, for we never know the depth of need of those around us. Teach us to trust You to lead us in all things and at all times, for You know how to bless and encourage everyone. Show us how to love as You intended, and to “mom” with strength and dignity and hope for all that lies ahead. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for providing us with mommas all throughout our life. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. – Proverbs 31:26

Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Love

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. – (Ephesians 4:32, VOICE)

Being kind, compassionate and loving requires an intentional decision to extend what we have been given by God to those around us. We always have a choice as to how we will interact and respond to one another. Each time we choose kindness and compassion, we help another feel loved. Forgiveness is necessary, for we are told that we must forgive as we have been forgiven. We need Jesus to forgive this way, and must turn to Him for help again and again. As one who has received kindness, compassion and love when I have needed it most, I am compelled to seek the Lord to help me do likewise. The same is true with forgiveness. There are times I fall short and need to ask forgiveness for lacking the grace I needed to give. Likewise, there are situations and circumstances where we may have to choose to forgive again and again, as unforgiveness tries to creep and create bitterness. What seems to help the most is to not only forgive (meaning releasing the right to revenge or hold onto the hurt) and instead place all in God’s hands. It does not mean that we give people a pass to mistreat us, but rather we let go of the weight that unforgiveness creates in our heart and give it to God so that we can move on. Incredibly, when I slow down and seek to understand, I find that kindness and compassion rise up within me and I am better able to love. God is faithful to meet us as we seek Him, and He will equip us to love as He loves when we ask and depend on Him. May we ever seek the Lord to help us be compassionate and kind, extending love and forgiveness to all with whom we interact.

In love, we are called,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

to seek God for all;

to give as He gives,

as grace He installs.

He gives compassion,

forgiveness and grace;

His love, unending,

throughout all our days.

He asks us the same,

to do as He does;

so His grace is known,

may all be in love.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to always be kind;

extend compassion,

it’s what You’ve in mind.

Forgive each other,

as He’s done for us;

may love ever lead,

to do as He does.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love. Thank You that as we ask, You meet us where we are and show us Your goodness and grace that sets us free. Forgive us for the times that we have been lacking in any of these. Teach us to rely on You to provide what we need to extend the good You give, and to release the anger, hurt or frustration so that we can forgive as You forgive us. Show us how to love with kindness and compassion for all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to lead us in You love in all things and at all times. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:4-5

Gather Together

For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them. – (Matthew 18:20, NIV)

Yes, if two or three people are together believing in Me, I am there with them. – (Matthew18:20, ERV)

For when two or three gather together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them. – (Matthew 18:20, VOICE)

This passage is yet another reminder that we are called to be in community. There is power in being present with fellow believers. We can encourage and lift one another up, and Jesus tells us He will be with us when we join with one another in purpose. Yes, we can be aware of God’s nearness on our own, but there is something powerful that happens when we are united in prayer and intention with at least one or two others. Sometimes, all we need is simply to be present with one another to find comfort, peace and encouragement. Being together turns friends into family and family into friends as hearts are heard and held up through fellowship. Incredibly, the friendships that have been established over time become the ones that we can go to, no matter how much time has passed, and share life together as if we had never had time apart. May we ever be intentional to invest in community so that we gather together often with those whom we can encourage and lift up and know that the same will be done for us.

We’re called to gather,

be community;

and as we do so,

God’s there, faithfully.

He hears what we ask,

and receives our praise;

in love He upholds,

throughout all our days.

Ever let’s seek Him,

gather and be near;

love one another,

as we seek, He hears.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise to be present when two or three of us gather in Your Name. Thank You that You hear our prayers and receive our praise. Thank You that You provide Your comfort, care, peace and protection in tangible ways through those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have isolated ourselves when we needed one another. Show us how to reach out and be intentional to spend time with those whom You have placed in our lives. Lead us to love and encourage each other as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we gather together in Your Name and seek You to lead us to love well, each person who crosses our path. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a

Set Free

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. – (Romans 8:1-2, NIV)

So now anyone who is in Christ Jesus is not judged guilty. That is because in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free. It made you free from the law that brings sin and death. – (Romans 8:1-2, ERV)

Therefore, now no condemnation awaits those who are living in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, because when you live in the Anointed One Jesus, a new law takes effect. The law of the Spirit of life breathes into you and liberates you from the law of sin and death. – (Romans 8:1-2, VOICE)

When we live in Christ, we are covered and cleansed by His sacrifice for us. Our confession before Him and our decision to trust in Him and walk in His ways sets us free from the grips of sin and death. In Him, we have life and freedom to live in His love. The more we walk with Him, the greater our understanding of what He has done for us grows, and thusly, so too does our desire to walk in His way and do His will. We are an ongoing work in progress, yet His loving kindness for us is eternal and unchanging. Because of His mercy and grace, there is a place for us in His kingdom and we are welcomed into His family. May we ever seek Him to lead us in His love and trust in Him to cover us in His goodness and grace that grants us life and sets us free from the death we deserve.

No condemnation,

when we are in Christ;

forgiven and free,

He makes all things right.

As we choose confess,

He washes us clean;

covered, forgiven,

in Him, we’re redeemed.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to walk in Your ways;

to love and forgive,

as You do, always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because of Jesus, we are no longer condemned for our sin and shame, but rather we are forgiven and set free so that we can live and love as You intended. Forgive us for every time that we have fallen short in word, thought and deed. Teach us to walk in Your ways and live out Your love through all things. Show us how to love those around us best, so that they too, may know of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to lead us and love because we are free in You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36

Be Full of Grace

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV)

Be wise in the way you act with those who are not believers. Use your time in the best way you can. When you talk, you should always be kind and wise. Then you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. – (Colossians 4:5-6, ERV)

Be wise when you engage with those outside the faith community; make the most of every moment and every encounter. When you speak the word, speak it gracefully (as if seasoned with salt), so you will know how to respond to everyone rightly. – (Colossians 4:5-6, VOICE)

Our job, as believers, is to be different from those who are not. We are called to love, and doing all things with love makes our words and actions a reflection of His love when we choose to abide in Him and walk in His way. Wisdom shows us when to speak and when to remain silent, and how to be kind in all circumstances. There are times it is seemingly impossible to be wise and kind, and often, that is our charge to keep our mouth shut and walk away until we can be kind and respond rightly. If our kindness, wisdom and love has been consistent, there will be something different about us that draws people in. Continual investment in time with God is what prepares our hearts and minds to respond as He intended in each encounter. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us in His wisdom and grace so that we can be kind and gracious in every interaction with those around us.

Choose to seek the Lord,

the Lord God, Most High;

who leads and guides us,

to do all things right.

For right is with love,

in everything;

with grace and wisdom,

His goodness we bring.

We all need Jesus,

to choose love like this;

but each time we do,

we show we are His.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good and that Your kindness and grace hold us in the hollow of Your hands. Thank You that You call us to seek You to grow in wisdom and grace so that we might love everyone as You do. Forgive us for the times that we have reacted out of our own resolve rather than responding as You call us to respond. Show us how to love in all things and give us the wisdom to know how to answer everyone. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead and guide us in Your love and to be gracious and kind in all things and at all times. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us… – Isaiah 63:7a

Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ERV)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God want you who belong to Christ Jesus to live – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, MSG)

Rejoicing is a recognition of the goodness of God and radiating our gratitude for the Redeemer. Praying continually is an open-ended, ongoing conversation with God in which we share our celebrations, gratitude, fears, frustrations, and short comings. To give thanks in all circumstances is not to give thanks for all circumstances, but rather to the One who will remain with us in and through all circumstances. God has given us reasons to be full of His joy, and is present so that we can keep praying. Gratitude takes our focus off of what lies before us and places it on the One who is with us. This time of the school year it is extra challenging to focus on living the way that God wants. Kids are often full of angst, as there is agitation at all of the spring testing, the pollen count is so high that everyone has allergy symptoms, and the close of the school year is in sight. Between congestion, irritation with one another, spring pairing drama, and the like, it is essential to remember who is good and holds us in His hands. If nothing else, I can be grateful for the number of days that have been successfully completed, and know that the number remaining are few in comparison. Each morning, I can give thanks for a new day and a fresh start. Throughout the day, I can be thankful for the little victories, as a new student grows in understanding or effort, and I have incredible colleagues surrounding me. I cannot help but pray, for often I catch myself grumbling in frustration internally, and have to give it to God as soon as I recognize my own frustration or irritation. By the close of each day, I can look back and see the good that God has sprinkled throughout, and need to thank Him for His faithfulness that knows no end. May we ever rejoice in the Lord and pray continually, for He is good in all things and at all times, and is faithful to see us through.

Choose rejoice always,

for the Lord is good;

no matter what comes,

our Hope’s understood.

Always we can pray,

in each circumstance;

there’s nothing not known,

that He leaves to chance.

God is our reason,

to rise and rejoice;

Eternal presence,

why we lift our voice.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You’re always good;

Your help and Your hope,

make love understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason to rejoice, always. Thank You that You are good, even when our situations or circumstances are not. Thank You that we can come to You and pray to You in all things and at all times. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to count our blessings and have fixated on the struggles before us. Teach us to place all in Your hands so that we can be aware of the countless ways that You are with us, You help us, You provide for us, and You show us who You are and how deeply You love us all. Lead us to love as You love, and show us how to rejoice and pray in all things and at all times so that Your heart is made evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in You, pray to You continually, and listen to Your leading in all things, and give You thanks for who You are. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100:5

Connect in Community

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. – (James 5:16, HCSB)

So always tell each other the wrong things you have done. Then pray for each other. Do this so that God can heal you. Anyone who lives the way God wants can pray, and great things will happen. – (James 5:16, ERV)

Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. – (James 5:16, MSG)

This is yet another reason we are called to be in community. We are called to confess to one another and pray together so that we can be forgiven and free. A sense of community is created when we have others whom we can trust and care for, and help hold each other accountable. Such connection helps us live right, and God hears and responds accordingly in His power, goodness and grace. This does not mean we need to shout our shortcomings from the rooftops, but rather we ought to have a small circle whom we trust and can be completely real and transparent. In turn, we are meant to hold each other up and cover one another in prayer. As we do, we see God move in mighty ways. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to be in community where we can confess to each other and pray for one another, and see God move in mighty ways.

We all need people,

that we know and trust;

share life together,

and live as we must.

We need others whom,

we trust and are real;

to share in all things,

confess, pray and heal.

For God has promised,

where two or more meet;

He will be present,

until all’s complete.

So, trust in the Lord,

invest in the ones;

trusted, like-minded,

so God’s will is done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to community and transparency. Thank You that as we seek You, You provide those in whom we can confide. Thank You that You designed us to partner together to confess and pray so that we may see Your power made tangible as You move on our behalf, according to Your will. Forgive us for the times that we have hidden our faults or have isolated ourselves when You already see and know. Teach us to trust You and show us who to trust around us. Lead us in Your love to care well and connect authentically with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to right relationships that create a community as intended by You. Show us Your power as we confess and pray and seek to live Your way. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20

Steady in the Storms

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. – (Philippians 4:6-7, ERV)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of you life. – (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG)

Worry and anxiousness are tangible signs that things are out of balance in our hearts and minds. Most often, it is because we are not praying and seeking God about what is going on, nor giving thanks for that which we have. Because we belong to Christ Jesus, He will guard and protect us, and give us direction as to what we can do and grant us His peace that guards our hearts and minds. His wholeness is made known as we seek Him and trust that He is the One who can work all things out for good. Yes, there are times when there is an issue that brings us to a place that we need God to show us tangible help to supply His peace and rest in His presence. We are created to be in community. Part of being a community includes helping bear one another’s burdens, and walking alongside each other in seasons of both struggle and of celebration. There is a quieting of the clamor caused by chaos that comes when we join with another to pray. Strength and resolve rise up and we are encouraged to get back to praying in all things and at all times. May we ever seek the Lord to show us His perfect peace as we pray, for it is as we pray for help and give Him thanks that we discover the peace that only God provides.

Lord, be our anchor,

https://soundcloud.com/user-955678799/steady-through-the-storm

throughout each new storm;

for Your love’s greater,

and Your peace transforms.

You transform our heart,

mind, body, and soul;

the depth of Your love,

brings peace, makes us whole.

Help us keep seeking,

in prayer, with praise;

Your faithfulness shown,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not worry nor be anxious about anything, but instead, we can bring our requests before You and trust in Your goodness and grace. Thank You that when worries come, You remind us that You are greater than all that we face. Forgive us for our fears and anxiousness, for You have overcome all that we will ever endure. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful to show us the ways we are meant to go and how to maneuver in all things. Lead us in Your love to care well for those around us, so that they too may know Your perfect peace, be it in storms or in settled spaces. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek and praise You, for You are our anchor and the One who keeps us steady in all sorts of seas. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Forgiven to Love

If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)

And if My people who are called by My Name become humble and pray, and look for Me, and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land. – (2 Chronicles 7:14, ERV)

And My people (who are known by My Name) humbly pray, follow My commandments, and abandon any actions or thoughts that might lead to further sinning, then I shall hear their prayers from My house in heaven, I shall forgive their sins, and I shall save their land from the disasters. – (2 Chronicles 7:14, VOICE)

This verse was part of what God spoke to King Solomon after he had consecrated the temple to God. The Lord was speaking of the Israelites, yet His heart for us remains the same. In fact, God loves us so much that He sent His Son to show us how to call on Him and to be forgiven and set free from our sin. Imagine what the world around us might be like if we all chose to love God and love people. There would be much healing and far less hatred and harm. Though we are each only one, collectively, we are many. Power is present when we actively choose to love, even when we desire otherwise. Just yesterday, my husband and I were out working in the yard. In our neighborhood, there is that one house where chaos reigns, and all of the extra traffic and mess in our cul de sac, comes from those who are constantly coming and going from that home. As I glanced over the fence, I saw a man in a beat up truck, parking in front of a different neighbor’s house. At first, my thought was “get the heck out of here!” Then the still small voice spoke softly to my heart to pray for him. There was clearly an issue with his truck, as he had the hood up and was tinkering. I did pray that he would be able to fix whatever was wrong and for his blessing. Within the next 20 minutes, whatever had been wrong seemed to have been restored, and the truck was gone. This short heart check was another reminder to pray for others, even when my inclination is otherwise. We never know what others are going through, and our charge is to love. Obviously we need to use caution, but we can ALWAYS pray. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love as we seek and follow after Him. Let His love lead us and bring healing to our land, our town, our neighborhoods.

O Lord, we seek You,

and ask You forgive;

the things in our hearts,

not rooted in love.

God, show us the things,

where we are unkind;

help us turn to You,

so Your grace we find.

Lead us to love well,

so healing may come;

in us and others,

may Your will be done.

In spaces of good,

Your blessings are clear;

a glimpse of heaven,

right now and right here.

Show us all the ways,

where we can love more;

grant strength to follow,

You whom we adore.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving, gracious and forgiving. Thank You that You call us to confess our sins and seek You to lead us in Your love. Thank You that as we do, You bring healing and hope to us and to those around us. Forgive us for every thought, word, and deed that has not demonstrated Your goodness and love. Show us how to love those around us practically, even when we do not understand why people do what they do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love and continually keep short accounts before You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

In All Things

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – (Romans 12:12, NIV)

Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray at all times. – (Romans 12:12, ERV)

Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. – (Romans 12:12, VOICE)

No matter what we face today, we are able to find joy because we know that hope is not just for here and now, but it is eternal. When we are in the midst of affliction, trials or difficulty, we can have patience to hold us up in knowing Who is for us. The way to remember our hope and help is to keep praying. When we pray, we remember that He is God and we are not. His plans are greater than our own, and we either heal, grow, or gain a testimony of God’s goodness when we are on the other side.

This is skin cancer awareness month. As such, I cannot help but think back to my own experience, a year and a half ago. Yes, I waited far too long to go and see a dermatologist for a skin check, especially as a redhead, but I did, at long last, have an appointment on the books. My very first appointment, when asked if I had any spots of concerns, I pointed to a mystery bump just above my lip. Upon further investigation, the dermatologist determined that it would need to be biopsied and sent to the lab. From there, I was sent to a specialist, who had to do a more invasive biopsy, only to reveal that it was indeed squamous cell cancer. I had to undergo a Mohs procedure, followed by plastic surgery. Thankfully, after a quarter-sized portion of my skin above my lip was removed, it was determined to be successful. The thing about this whole ordeal was that I absolutely prayed continually, and discovered joy, even in the scary spaces (as there have been numerous watchful follow ups and scans). I have had to be patient both in the process and the recovery and healing, as there was a day between the Mohs surgery and the plastic surgery, and the healing process when facial nerves are cut is strange and lengthy. All this to say that despite the ordeal, my take away is gratitude to God that all was caught and has been deemed good, and the importance of remaining vigilant about skin protection as I move forward. Each time I feel a strange twinge above my lip, I am reminded of His faithfulness and goodness, and that nerves take a long time to heal. My purpose in sharing this is first, to highlight the reality of this verse, as hope, joy, patience and prayer are necessary to navigate each day. Second, please, get your skin checked. Skin cancer is one of the easier cancers to treat, but early detection is essential in preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body.

May we hold to hope,

in all things always;

for there joy is found,

throughout all our days.

No matter what comes,

the Lord will remain;

we must be patient,

through patience comes change.

In all things always,

continue to pray;

for God hears each word,

we think and we say.

He knows all our fears,

and what brings delight;

our Healer and Help,

for He makes things right.

So trust in the Lord,

and patiently pray;

be real with the One,

Who loves us always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason for hope and joy, patience and peace, even when such things are not aligned with what we are experiencing. Thank You that we can come to You and pray to You without fear or hesitation. Forgive us for our fears and worries when unknowns come our way. Thank You that You are greater than all that we face. Continue to teach us to trust and hope in You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that provide hope, help, patience and peace in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray continually and seek You to continue to show us the hope and joy, peace and patience that You provide throughout each new day. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7