Always Be Kind

Do to others as you would have them do to you. – (Luke 6:31, NIV)

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior. Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! – (Luke 6:31, MSG)

Think of the kindness you wish others would show you; do the same for them. – (Luke 6:31, VOICE)

Not only is this biblical, but it is an excellent rule to live by. When we treat others the way we want to be treated, what we give is very often what we get back. The thing is, even when kindness, grace and love are not returned, we can walk away in good conscience knowing we did the right thing. No matter what, we are given goodness, love and grace far beyond what God has extended to us. His love floods us to overflowing, and we are meant to give out of the abundance He has granted. Traveling is a perfect opportunity to put this into practice, as often people are stressed, hurried, or weary and out of patience. My prayer is that in all things, I may extend to others what I would want to be given. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love and show us how to extend kindness to all.

No matter what comes,

Choose always be kind;

For we never know,

What’s on someone’s mind.

Silent are struggles,

Invisible things;

Heartache and challenge,

That which real life brings.

We may never know,

The difference we make;

But extending good,

Is living God’s way.

Let us rise with love,

As we start each day;

For God’s given us,

More than enough grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us more goodness, kindness, and love than we could ever give away. Thank You that You call us to do unto others what we would want done for us. Forgive us for the times that we have treated others in ways that we would not want to be treated. Help us to extend kindness, goodness and love to all, no matter what we are given. Show us how to love every person we encounter as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your overwhelming kindness to us and thank You that You equip and empower us to be kind to everyone we meet. Amen.

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

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. – Titus 3:4-5a

Great Things

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. – (Psalm 126:3, NIV)

Yes, we will be happy because the Lord did a great thing for us. – (Psalm 126:3, ERV)

We shook our heads/ All of us were stunned – the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful. – (Psalm 126:3, VOICE)

After months of waiting and planning, tomorrow is now only a day away! Our dearest friends moved to Texas on January 1^st, and we have been waiting for spring break to arrive. At long last, tomorrow is the day. God has provided the time and resources to travel to spend our break together. Our joy is increased in the anticipation of being reunited. The thing is, He has done great things in the waiting, and the ultimate joy is found in knowing Him. He has supplied the strength and stamina to press on, even through the most challenging times, and has brought us to a space where rest and refreshment are within reach. This morning, I am refreshed in His presence and renewed in the hope of all that He has for us. Though today will be a very long day, I am looking forward to it, as conferences are a great time to see students with their parents, and to catch up on paperwork in between. God is good, and He is the One who fills us with His joy. May we ever take notice of all that He has done, and give thanks from hearts full of joy from knowing how good He truly is.

So great are the things,

God has done for us;

He has brought us here,

Showed us we can trust.

Trust in His goodness,

Know He will provide;

In Him there is joy,

As we choose abide.

Abide in His love,

Give thanks for all things;

Hope everlasting,

Through love He does bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your outpouring of goodness and grace that carries and sustains us through all of our days. Thank You for the joy that You plant deep within us, and then water and grow it as we come to know You more. Forgive us for the times that we allow our circumstances to steal our joy. Please fill us anew as we go forth today and lead us in the overwhelming love that You have given so that we may do likewise. Show us how to love and care for those around us as You intended, and may each come to know the joy found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the great things You have done and continue to do, and may our joy be contagious to those around us. Amen.

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

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. – Psalm 28:7

Strength to Soar

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. – (Isaiah 40:31, ERV)

But those that wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. – (Isaiah 40:31, MSG)

Today is our final regular school day before spring break. We end the week with a day and a half of conference but knowing that this is our last teaching day until April 10^th is a reminder of the hope that rest and renewal is coming. When I think about eagles and how they fly, I am reminded that while in flight, they flap their wings for a time, but then they coast and ride the wind from their work. It is a continuous cycle of work and rest as they soar. For us, we are meant to do the same. To run and not grow weary is a great reminder that even in a marathon, there are water stations that provide refreshment to keep the runners from growing weary from dehydration. God is our ultimate refreshment and He shows us the patterns and rhythms we are meant to live by so that we may keep moving forward in His strength. Though I am tired this morning after a very busy start to the week, I am strengthened in knowing that rest is coming. May we ever seek the Lord to be our hope, for His plan for us is to soar and be strengthened in His love.

To wait on the Lord,

Is to trust His plans;

In times of toiling,

In His strength we stand.

Each day that we seek,

He’s faithful to meet;

Providing fresh strength,

In Him we’re complete.

The Lord grants us wings,

To rise up and soar;

His strength is supplied,

In Him we have more.

More strength to press on,

In what we’re to do;

Hope everlasting,

In Him we’re made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You we find rest and renewal and strength to keep moving forward. Thank You that You supply strength and rest when we need it most. Forgive us for allowing weariness to try to consume us rather than seeking You for rest. Teach us how to find a rhythm of work and rest that keeps us from growing weary. Show us how to press into Your loving kindness to be our strength. Lead us in Your love to strengthen, encourage and extend refreshment to those around us. Be glorified O God, as we depend on You to be our strength and supply in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Hope Now and Always

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” – (John 11:25-26, NIV)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection. I am life. Everyone who believes in Me will have life, even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never really die. Martha, do you believe this?” – (John 11:25-26, ERV)

“You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, the Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in Me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in Me does not ultimately die at ll. Do you believe this?” – (John 11:25-26, MSG)

This was part of the conversation between Jesus and Martha before He raised Lazarus from the dead. Her understanding was limited to the hope she held in heaven, but then Jesus showed her even more of who He is and the power found in Him. With mere words, Jesus brought back to life the one who had died and gave a glimpse of the more that is found in Him. His words, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” were made tangible in a new way for her and those who witnessed what transpired. The same God who raised Lazarus from the dead, is the One who provides us hope for all eternity. When we know Him and have a relationship with Him, we are promised life forever with Him both now and forevermore. This hope is so much more than “fire insurance”. Knowing God personally provides hope, help, power, peace, goodness and grace each moment that we draw breath. His nearness is promised, and His presence provides for all that we need to navigate each new day. May we ever seek the Lord anew each day, and trust in Him to be our life everlasting.

The power of God,

Not just in some day;

It’s ever-present,

To show us His way.

For Christ is our hope,

He’s more than enough;

He leads and guides us,

Through easy and tough.

His presence made known,

Through unexplained peace;

And love that surrounds,

As grace is released.

The Lord is our hope,

Both now and always;

Power and comfort,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our hope in You is not just for some day, but You are present to help us now and forever. Forgive us for our limited understanding that places parameters on what we think You can and cannot do. Thank You that You are so much more than we could hope or imagine. Teach us to press into You more and more, for it is in the knowing that our hope grows. Show us how to love those around us as You do, for it is Your love that gives light and life to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the hope and help You provide each moment that we draw breath, and the promise we have in forever with You. 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

Rest in Hope

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – (Psalm 62:5, NIV)

I must calm down and turn to God; He is my only hope. – (Psalm 62:5, ERV)

My soul quietly waits for the true God alone because I hope only in Him. – (Psalm 62:5, VOICE)

God is the great provider of rest. He comes in the quiet moments we sit before Him and covers us with His peace. His rest looks different for everyone, and often is found in sweet simplicity. Saturday, my final meeting for high school gymnastics this year took place as we held our end-of-the-season banquet. It ended up being on the small side, but it was a sweet, calm time of coming together. No stress, no pressure, just enjoyable time together. Yesterday, as I was in the media area for church both prior to, and throughout both services, there was an extra flooding of peace as the sounds of worship soothed my soul. After church there was a perfect balance between getting things done to prepare for the week, and time spent loving on our dogs. God’s rest can be found wherever we are and in the midst of whatever we are doing, if only we quiet our hearts to hear from Him. May we slow down and seek Him anew each day and recognize the rest that He who is our hope, provides.

My soul finds true rest,

When I slow my mind;

Choose focus on Him,

In whom hope I find.

For He is the peace,

That brings forth the calm;

No matter what comes,

He’s the soothing balm.

Peace that is present,

Hope that is assured;

Rest when we’re weary,

His love is made clear.

Ever choose seek Him,

For He is our rest;

He knows and loves us,

And gives us His best.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are where we find rest and hope and peace, no matter what surrounds us. Thank You that You are the calm in our storms and the peace in our chaos. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to turn to You, for You are faithful forever. Teach us to trust and rely on You to provide the rest we need and the hope that holds our heart in a space of contentment. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for being our hope and our space of real rest in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

Ongoing Work in Progress

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until He completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. – (Philippians 1:6, ERV)

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. – (Philippians 1:6, MSG)

This is such an encouragement to me, as I know that I am an ongoing work in progress. God does not give up on us when we fall short, but rather He keeps leading, guiding, loving, and refining us to reflect His love and light more clearly to the world. The stronger our bond becomes with Christ, the more evident His heart is made know through our words and deeds. It is in the things that we say and do that His light shines through to touch the hearts of those around us. May we ever follow after the Lord and listen to His leading so that we become more of who He has created us to be.

The Lord God of all,

Is working in us;

To make us complete,

Like His Son, Jesus.

A heart for the world,

With love that will grow;

Made to do good works,

So His love might show.

The work is not done,

Until He returns;

We’re all in progress,

To grow, love and learn.

Help us keep pressing,

Ever choose draw near;

As You refine us,

Making Your love clear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the work You began in us will continue until the day You return for us. Thank You that though we fall short, You do not give up on us. Forgive us for the times that we have strayed from Your will, plan or purpose for us. Teach us to ever trust in You to lead, guide, love, and refine us so that we can more clearly reflect Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek You anew each day and trust You to transform our heart to be a reflection of Your own. Amen.

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

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. – Proverbs 27:19

Choose to Shine

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. – (1 John 2:10, MSG)

I appreciate the Message translation of this verse tremendously, as it is a powerful reminder that when we choose love, we allow God’s light to shine, yet when we do not, we can actually block the light that God’s love intended for them to receive. God calls and equips us to love yet created us with a free will to choose. As we choose to love, we choose to allow the loving light of God to shine through us to the world. The people around us become more like family, and our hearts expand to give and receive as we were designed through allowing love to lead in all that we say and do. This is not always easy or natural, yet it is always worthwhile. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that we may shine His loving light on all who are near us.

When we choose to love,

Christ’s light is made clear;

His love is poured out,

To all who are near.

Brothers and sisters,

Family and friends;

All who cross our path,

For love to extend.

What’s incredible,

Is there’s always more;

The light of God’s love,

Will always endure.

Lord, help us to choose,

To share well Your light;

And love each other,

For Your love delights.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and share Your light wherever we go and whatever we do. Thank You that You fill us to overflowing when we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love and have hidden the light that You intended to shine through us. Teach us to ever trust in You and to follow the path that You have placed before us. Lead us to love well so that all around us may know the lavish light of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love one another as sisters and brothers as we allow Your light to shine. Amen.

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

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. – Proverbs 13:9

Be Our Strength

But You, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. – (Psalm 22:19, NIV)

Lord, don’t leave me! You are my strength – hurry and help me! – (Psalm 22:19, ERV)

But You, O Eternal, stay close; O You, my help, hurry to my side. – (Psalm 22:19, VOICE)

This feels like an appropriate end-of-the-week plea, as we wander into the last day of the week, with one week to go until spring break. It is in this season that weariness creeps in and attempts to knock us down. Just yesterday, I was talking to a dear friend and colleague about how we were feeling, and the consensus was that this stretch to break is like a marathon with too few water stations. We are parched and exhausted, and the need for rest is greater than a busy weekend. Thankfully, God is faithful to supply the strength we need to navigate each day as it comes. He is good, and He does come quickly. The soon-coming break is timed perfectly, and He will continue to strengthen and help us as we go. May we ever call on the Lord to be our strength and help, for He is faithful forever.

O Lord, You are good,

You’re faithful always;

You supply the strength,

Needed for each day.

Ever You are near,

Despite how we feel;

Your grace is enough,

As Your peace reveals.

O Lord, be our strength,

Throughout all our days;

Lead us by Your love,

O Ancient of Days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we call on You, You strengthen and sustain us. Thank You that You are always near. Forgive us for our frustration when we grow weary. Teach us to trust and rely on You to be our strength and to provide all that we need for each new day. Show us Your strength anew and point us to spaces of rest and refreshment. Lead us to love those around us in ways that encourage and strengthen resolve. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for being our strength throughout each day. Amen.

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

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. – Psalm 28:7

Persevere

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – (James 1:4, NIV)

If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be. – (James 1:4, ERV)

So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. – (James 1:4, TLB)

This is such an important reminder when we are in a trying season, or are walking through a difficult situation. God uses all things to grow us and show us more of Himself, and the lessons we learn as we press on in Him, teach us of His unending faithfulness. Incredibly, when we get through the season or circumstance, we discover that we are closer to God and are better able to reflect His love and faithfulness to those around us. Character grows as we walk through struggles, not in the seasons of status quo. May we ever persevere with the Lord through challenging seasons, for He is faithful to use all things to grow us and make us more complete in Him.

No matter what comes,

Choose to persevere;

Not in our own strength,

But through Him who’s near.

Trust in His goodness,

On His strength, rely;

Keep moving forward,

His love is our “why”.

It’s easy to see,

From the other side;

How God got us through,

Our help from inside.

Always He’s near us,

With strength and His grace;

Our help and our hope,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we persevere through all that comes our way, You grow us to more clearly reflect Your light to the world. Thank You that You are always faithful to be present as we navigate all things. Forgive us for the times that we want to sit down and quit instead of trusting You. Teach us to keep moving in the direction to which we are called, and show us how to trust You to be our strength and our help throughout every day. Lead us in Your love to bless, encourage, and strengthen those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to walk beside us and strengthen us to persevere in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:7

Be My Strength

Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. – (Ephesians 6:10, NIV)

To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord an His great power. – (Ephesians 6:10, ERV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. – (Ephesians 6:10, VOICE)

Today is a good day to be reminded that my strength comes from God. I am tired and have a busy day ahead. As we near ever closer to spring break, holding my student’s attention during class becomes more difficult and requires more energy than usual. This morning, I am being observed, and though I have a wonderful and kind principal, I still get nervous about the process. Days like this are God’s reminder to trust in Him, as He is always faithful to meet me as I seek Him. This morning, I am trusting in Him to be my strength, provide clarity of thought as I plan, and energy to engage my kiddos in a way that helps them grasp the content. God is faithful, and this morning I trust Him anew to be my strength.

The Lord is my strength,

On Him I depend;

No matter what comes,

His strength He extends.

Whatever the need,

God already knows;

With love, He’s for us,

As kindness He shows.

Let’s rise up in faith,

His strength and supply;

All that is needed,

In love God provides.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being our strength. Thank You that You know our need and are faithful to provide as we abide in You. Forgive us for our lack of fortitude when we are weary. Teach us to trust in You to be our strength, for You are faithful always. Lead us in Your love to care for people as You do. Show us Your heart, especially for those who are struggling. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the strength You supply to help us navigate each new day. Amen.

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

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – Psalm 18:32