God is Our Help

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. – (Psalm 54:4, NIV)

Look, my God will help me. My Lord will support me. – (Psalm 54:4, ERV)

But see now! God comes to rescue me; the Lord is my valiant supporter. – (Psalm 54:4, VOICE)

Yesterday afternoon, I witnessed beautiful examples of exactly this. A lifelong friend recently lost her older brother, suddenly, in a fatal car crash. Though in anguish over the loss, it was overwhelmingly evident that she and her family were being granted strength and sustained through Him as the service transpired. Jill, who lost not only her brother and only sibling, but through this tragedy, also lost one of her very best friends. Despite the weight of the grief, she was able to beautifully share who he was and how he loved and was loved by all. The eulogy she delivered was one with laughter and tears, and though I knew him not, I feel as if I somehow had after hearing her heart. Additionally, lifelong family friends of the family include a family that took me in as one of their own in a season that I needed it most. My mom was living out-of-state in that season, so they provided a place to come spend time and be included and embraced. The closeness I felt back then, flooded my heart as I was able to embrace each of them. God is amazing in how He helps and supports us. Each of us have navigated our own heartaches and mountain tops, and being able to connect and share is one of the ways I think that God helps, supports and sustains us tangibly. Though I know the ache of the loss will never go away, I can already see the hope that they each hold in knowing they will one day see each other again in glory. May we each seek and rely on the Lord, for He is our help and our hope, and He is faithful to sustain us through every season.

Throughout each season,

for our whole life long;

the Lord is faithful,

to help make us strong.

He grants strength of heart,

through love and support;

His hands will hold us,

bring us to safe port.

Our anchor throughout,

all that this life brings;

the Lord’s ever near,

and why our hearts sing.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You’re always good;

through good times and bad,

Your love’s understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our help and the One who sustains us through all that life brings. Thank You that You are faithful, and that You make Your love and care for us tangible through community. Thank You for the gift of family and friends whom You have intentionally placed in our lives. Thank You for the opportunities to be reunited both here and into forever. Forgive us for the times that we try to muscle our way through difficulties, rather than lean on You and recognize the help You have supplied all around us. Teach us to trust You and to be quick to recognize those whom You have provided to walk beside us through all things. Show us how to love, support and encourage those around us in authentic community. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and how You love, support, help and hold us through all things throughout our life. Amen.

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

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure… – Hebrews 6:19a

Let Go of Judgment

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. – (Romans 2:1, NIV)

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. – (Romans 2:1, ERV)

So you can see there are no excuses for any of us. If your eyes shift their focus from yourselves to others – to judge how they are doing – you have already condemned yourselves! You don’t realize that you are pointing your fingers at others for the exact things you do as well. – (Romans 2:1, VOICE)

In a world where there is so much judgment and finger-pointing, it seems the only solution is to be intentional in choosing to love. It does not mean that we merely overlook heinous crimes, offenses, and the like, but it does mean that we pray for those who persecute us or offend us, and give kindness and grace those around us. Something that I learned a long time ago, is that when we point a finger at someone else, there are three of our own fingers pointing back at us. Whatever we judge others for, we too will be judged, for it is typically a fault in us that we see in others that drives us to want to play “judge”. The thing is, at the end of our days, when we stand before God, we will be judged by Him on what we have and have not done. If we have spent our life judging others, our own similar sins will be highlighted and condemning. However, if we instead choose to pray for others, even when we do not understand why they do what they do, we we be given grace in the same way. Imagine the world if we all did less judging and more praying. Grace and kindness would be abundant, and good would be obvious in all. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to let go of judgment and place it in His hands, and to instead, love and care for all, no matter if we understand them or not.

Lord, show us the way,

Rob Han – Pixels

to be judgment free;

to pray and to love,

intentionally.

For if we choose judge,

we condemn ourselves;

for it’s not our role,

to judge someone else.

Instead, please lead us,

to love as You do;

abundant in grace,

as kindness shines through.

Please show us the way,

that we can love best;

in each circumstance,

put judgment to rest.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love, not to judge. Forgive us for the times that we have judged others instead of praying and seeking to understand. Teach us to trust in You and rely on You to lead us in Your love in all things and at all times. Show us how to love everyone we encounter, be it close up or through heartfelt prayer. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, for You are the way, the truth, and the light to all that is good. Be glorified O God, as we let go of judgment and trust it in Your hands, allowing Your loving kindness to be evident to all. Amen.

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

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. – Matthew 7:1

His Love Endures Forever

You and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. – (Romans 1:12, NIV)

I mean that I want us to help each other with the faith that we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you. – (Romans 1:12, ERV)

I know that when we come together something beautiful will happen as we are encouraged by each other’s faith. – (Romans 1:12, VOICE)

Though these were Paul’s words to the Roman church, it is the same for us today. We have been created to be in community so that we can encourage and build each other up. Community provides us examples of the faithful, and opportunity to be a similar encouragement to others. Having a circle that surrounds us is the way it ought to be. I am incredibly blessed to have many lifelong friends; people who have known me and walked alongside me through my greatest challenges and my most incredible blessings. There is total acceptance of each other, and an innate ability to hear, know, love, and encourage each other exactly where we are at in life. The other day, I was blessed to walk and talk with a dear, lifelong friend. Though it had been far too long since we had last seen one another in person, we were able to pick right up where we left off, and go deep with one another. We each were able to share our struggles and our praises, and encourage one another as we trust God and press on in the things to which we are called. It is such a blessing to have people in our lives that have no expectation or judgement, but absolutely are a treasure each time we are able to spend time together. I imagine that this is a glimpse of heaven for our hearts, as we will see those who have gone before us, yet will be able to pick up and share with one another as if no time has passed. My heart is full at the way God has provided so many of these glimpses of His goodness this summer. Reconnecting with dear ones, and enjoying sharing life with each other as the opportunities arise. Last evening, we met dear friends for dinner and could have continued our visit for hours more. God is so good, and He knows what our hearts need most. May we ever praise Him for His provision of community with whom we can connect, share life, and encourage. His love endures forever.

To be together,

in community;

what God intended,

for you and for me.

To truly listen,

so each one is known;

and help each other,

as goodness is shown.

We each have something,

uniquely our own;

a gift to others,

as it’s shared and shown.

May we choose engage,

in community;

reach out in His love,

both give and receive.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of community. Thank You that in each season of our lives You provide people with whom we can share life and love and encouragement. Thank You that in Your kingdom, time knows no bounds. Thank You that we gain glimpses of this good as we reconnect with friends near and far, no matter how much time has been between visits. Forgive us for not taking each opportunity You present to connect and encourage each other. Teach us to listen to Your leading so that we take every opportunity to both encourage and be encouraged. Help us to love those around us as You do, so that Your heart and encouragement are made tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the gift of mutual encouragement that You provide through those whom You have given to be in our lives, throughout our lives. Amen.

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

We Come to Know in the Stillness

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

God says, “Stop fighting and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations; I am the one who controls the world.” – (Psalm 46:10, ERV)

“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God. I am honored among the nations. I am honored over all the earth.” – (Psalm 46:10, VOICE)

Being still is a counterintuitive concept in a world that seemingly never stops. It is amazing the difference we experience when we are intentional to be still before the Lord. We recognize His goodness and grace, and see how He is in and above all things. For me, the daily practice of spending time in the stillness of early morning in His word, helps set my heart right before I begin each day. Watching the world go from dark to light, and knowing He is beside me as I seek Him, strengthens my heart and blesses my soul. My perspective shifts as I seek to see through His lens rather than my own. Even in places where it seems all have forgotten who God is and how He loves, He provides glimpses of good and reminds me that He is far greater than the challenges right now. The ever-shifting shades of the sunrise, the sweet snores of puppies by my side, and the peace that is present in the early morning hours show me again and again that He is good and He is above all things. May we ever seek the Lord in stillness, so that our hearts and minds slow down enough to hear His heartbeat for each of us, and remind us again that we are deeply loved and created to do the same.

When we choose be still,

Metro Parks photo of Wapato Park

we then come to know;

the goodness of God,

through how His love’s shown.

Glimpses of beauty,

through all that is seen;

blessed reminders,

of what His love means.

He uses the things,

that speak to our heart;

to show us He’s good,

Love’s great work of art.

We need not struggle,

nor fight to be loved;

instead, in stillness,

we find we’re beloved.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we are still before You, we cannot help but recognize and know that You are God. Thank You that You are in and above all things, no matter what we perceive. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see or understand how You are working on our behalf. Thank You that Your faithfulness is not dependent on what we see. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good, even when situations or circumstances are not. Show us how to love and encourage those around us in ways that make Your love tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be still before You and recognize more and more, who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. – Psalm 37:7a

People To Propel Us On Our Path

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. – (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)

We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. – (Hebrews 12:1, ERV)

So since we stand surrounded by all those who have gone before, an enormous cloud of witnesses, let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us. – (Hebrews 12:1, VOICE)

God is intentional with those whom He places in our lives. Some are for a brief encounter, some for a season, and others for a lifetime. Each person has purpose and can either propel us in the direction to which God is calling, or can distract or divert us from where we are meant to go. What I have learned is that with each example set before us, we can glean wisdom from their experiences to show us the best way to go. The road marked before us is meant to be run at His pace, not our own. That means we must be in tune with God to know which way to go and at what pace. The thing about running is that the less you carry, the easier it is to run well. There are things that it is wise to have available, yet other things that simply weigh us down. In life, it is no different. When we invest time in the word and seek to know Him more, we are equipped with the race plan and the endurance to carry it out. Perhaps that is why I prefer running with a buddy, as it is easier to go farther and longer when conversation can be had and encouragement is built in. God calls us to community for the same reason. When we have others around us who know the path we are on, they can encourage us forward and extend a hand to help us up the most challenging “terrain”. However, if we seek to run with someone who is not running a similar pace or is running in a different direction, it distracts us from what we are meant to do and may lead us to stray from the path we are meant to travel. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us, and trust in Him to show us who are the ones whom He has given us to encourage us to continue in the direction He is leading.

Lord, You are so good,

in all of Your ways;

You lead and guide us,

on Your path each day.

People before us,

the most faithful ones;

examples for us,

how this race is won.

With eyes on the prize,

a heart that is true;

each step that they took,

pointed us to You.

The ones beside us,

purposefully placed;

encourage our hearts,

to run well our race.

May we also run,

with encouragement;

so those around us,

press on, don’t relent.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for those who have gone before us and have shown the way to live well, according to Your plans and purposes. Thank You that You surround us with community to encourage us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have diverted from the path You set before us, or have not encouraged those around us as You intended. Teach us to ever keep our eyes on You, the author and perfector of our faith. Show us how to love, encourage, and run beside those moving the same direction. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your perfect plan for us and for the people who pave the way and encourage us to follow You. Amen.

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

We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and He is the one who makes our faith complete. – Hebrews 12:2a

Confidence in the Unseen

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see. – (Hebrews 11:1, ERV)

Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. – (Hebrews 11:1, VOICE)

Dictionary.com defines hope as “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.” In comparison through a word study biblically, “to hope is nearly synonymous with trust”, yet there are times the very same word means “to wait” or “to be patient” or “to endure”. Upon further exploration and study, a statement that resonates with me is that “hope is the proper response to the promises of God.” Additionally, “hope leads to joy, boldness, faith, and love.” It also “has a sanctifying effect”. It is because we can hope in Him that we look expectantly to all that lies ahead and are driven to do good works to more clearly reflect the hope we have in Christ. Faith and hope are the very foundation of our trust in God, as the more we come to know Christ, the more certain we become of who He is and how He loves, even though we have not seen Him face-to-face. In the same way that we cannot tangibly see love, we can feel it through our experiences. It is similar with God. Though we cannot see Him, the evidence of His existence is everywhere. Creation cries out the glory of its Creator, and the beauty and goodness we are given through those around us point our hearts to praise Him for such incredible love. May we ever trust God in the waiting between what we know now and what will ultimately be.

A true confidence,

in what is not seen;

blessed assurance,

what faith and hope mean.

The wait in “not yet”,

until what shall be;

how true hope is held,

in the in between.

Though we don’t see God,

the work of His hands;

are seen all around,

to help understand.

Every good thing,

now and ever more;

are gifts from the Lord,

point to what’s in store.

The good that’s waiting,

for eternity;

far beyond what’s known,

His glory to see.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the more we come to know and understand who You are and how You love, the greater our faith and hope become. Thank You that You are so incredibly good even when our circumstances are not. Forgive us for somehow equating Your goodness to our challenges instead of celebrating the way that You carry us and see us through. Teach us to trust You in all things, even in the waiting that seems beyond what we can bear. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your heart tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and place our hope in You, for we can be confident in Your goodness and love forever. Amen.

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

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20

Strengthened Steps

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. – (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV)

The Lord shows us how we should live, and He is pleased when He sees the people living that way. If they stumble, they will not fall, because the Lord reaches out to steady them. – (Psalm 37:23-24, ERV)

If you are right with God, He strengthens you for the journey; the Eternal will be pleased with your life. And even though you trip up, you will not fall on your face because He holds you by the hand. – (Psalm 37:23-24, VOICE)

I am so thankful that God is loving and full of grace. As we seek and depend on Him, He leads us in the ways in which we are meant to go. In our frail humanity, we will mess up, yet He holds our hand, dusts us off, picks us up, and guides us in grace to the place we need to be. I am so grateful that He is patient with us and that His hands are strong. He is able to hold us up far beyond what we could ever do on our own. When I think of dear ones who have experienced great loss, are navigating overwhelming change, or are simply working to keep walking the road that is set before them, I am in awe of how God provides and upholds. He is near and knows each need. Though the way is not always easy, His presence and peace make it passable by His strength. May we ever seek to know God more, and trust Him to take us by the hand as we navigate all that life places upon our path.

The Lord lights the way,

for all who choose seek;

Him to direct us,

each day of the week.

God’s always present,

to help and to hold;

to lead and guide us,

our hope He foretold.

No matter what comes,

He won’t let us sink;

equips, empowers,

beyond what we think.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You make the way;

each day we draw breath,

to love, work and play.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You secure our steps as we trust and delight in You. Thank You that though we may stumble, You won’t let us fall. Thank You that You uphold us with Your strong and capable hands. Forgive us for the times we attempt to overcome obstacles on our own. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times. 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 seek You to secure our steps and give You praise through all of our days because You are faithful forever. Amen.

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

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

Boundless Faithfulness

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. – (Psalm 36:5, NIV)

Lord, Your faithful love reaches to the sky. Your faithfulness is as high as the clouds. – (Psalm 36:5, ERV)

Your love, O Eternal One, towers high into the heavens. Even the skies are lower than Your faithfulness. – (Psalm 36:5, VOICE)

Though exhausted, I am in awe of God’s faithfulness. What was planned as a weekend getaway, turned into an incredible gift of connecting with dear friends. We had merely hoped for a chance to reconnect with some friends that we have known for years, yet it turned into so much more. Both of our full days in Phoenix were spent visiting and catching up with dear ones. Yesterday, we were invited to the home of dear friends from home, whom I have actually known since I was about 20 years old. Their daughter, whom I adore, I have known since she was in the youth group that I helped with as a young adult. She, her husband, and two children were there, and another fantastic couple that I have known since my kids were babies also joined us. The opportunity to visit and catch up with these dear ones breathed life into both my husband and me. There is something amazing about being with people who know your and your heart so well that conversation is easy and without fear of judgement, and all present are able to share. It was a reminder that we all experience the challenges of “real life”, yet the beauty of community that was long ago established, remains. Our time both days was such a clear picture of how God’s faithfulness knows no time or distance, and it remains in friendships that are founded in His boundless love. May we ever seek the Lord to provide opportunities to truly connect in community, and give Him praise for His incredible faithfulness and love.

The goodness of God,

is boundless in love;

evidence of Him,

make clear we’re beloved.

He provides friendships,

that make His heart clear;

brilliant connections,

real talk without fear.

Open hearts and homes,

generosity;

a wonderous gift,

that was hard to leave.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for the gifts You give;

such treasured people,

in this life we live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of time with treasured friends. Thank You that our reuniting for a few hours, is a reminder of how glorious heaven will be. Thank You that the connection we felt, even after much time apart, is but a glimpse of the glory of forever with You. Forgive us for the times that You have tugged at our heart to reach out, yet we ignored the prompting and missed out on the blessings that You bring from such connections. Teach us to listen to Your leading and to invest time and energy into the relationships that You establish. Show us how to love those around us well, and how to be a blessing to the communities that You have set us in, both now and throughout our lives. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, and may we refresh and build up one another as we embrace each new day that You provide. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love as You love and to give You thanks for Your never-ending faithfulness that blesses and builds up. Amen.

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

I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You have established Your faithfulness in heaven itself. – Psalm 89:2

Taste and See the Good

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – (Psalm 34:8, NIV)

Give the Lord a chance to show you how good He is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on Him! – (Psalm 34:8, ERV)

Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is. Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted. – (Psalm 34:8, VOICE)

It is interesting that the word choice includes to taste and see. When multiple senses are involved, it makes a greater lasting imprint on our hearts. I imagine that is why so often gathering and sharing a meal is the most common way to get together with friends. This weekend, my Viking and I are celebrating our anniversary with a weekend getaway to Phoenix. Incredibly, we were able to get together with one of his old friends whom he used to work with, and then met dear friends whom I knew from church years ago, who happen to be the ones who fostered and made possible the adoption of our sweet pup, Tali. Today, we will spend the afternoon with three couples from our church who moved out here a few years ago. The gift of gathering and sharing life together over a meal is a glimpse of the goodness of God. Spending time with friends whom we haven’t seen in a long while, yet pick up where we left off, is a reminder of God’s grace and the depth of His love. Though our trip began a little rough with a diverted landing in Tucson before refueling and then arriving far later than anticipated, we were kept safe and had an incredibly restful night’s (morning’s) sleep, despite our three am hotel check-in. Last evening, we had tickets to attend a concert, however, the 118 degree temperatures resulted in a cancelled show, due to the excessive heat. It turned out to be a blessing, as we had a light dinner, hung out in the wonderfully shaded pool, and then really relaxed in our room and had another restful sleep. As our refuge, He provided what we needed most. In all things, He is good, and when we slow down and take it all in, we can truly taste and see His goodness and love. May we ever take refuge in the Lord, and praise Him for how He loves us so well.

When we taste and see,

Sadly, we were so busy catching up we did not snap a picture…

that the Lord is good;

we recongnize Him,

and love’s understood.

A time to gather,

and visit old friends;

shows us His goodness,

that love knows no end.

Our place of refuge,

on Him we’ll depend;

all good is from Him,

as hope He extends.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we experience and are reminded of Your goodness and love through our senses. Thank You that we can taste, see, hear, feel and touch Your heart for us through what we experience around us. Thank You for the gift of lasting friendships that can pick up where they left off. Forgive us for the times that we take Your goodness for granted. Teach us to recognize and give You praise throughout all our days, for You are so very good. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they too, may taste and see Your loving kindness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your faithful protection, love, and blessing. Amen.

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

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

I Rejoice in Your Love

I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. – (Psalm 31:7, NIV)

Your kindness makes me so happy. You have seen my suffering. You know about the troubles I have. – (Psalm 31:7, ERV)

I will gladly rejoice because of Your gracious love because You recognized the sadness of my affliction. You felt deep compassion when You saw the pains of my soul. – (Psalm 31:7, VOICE)

More than nine years ago, I was in a space of such sadness in my soul. My marriage of many years had ended and I had to trust God completely to pick up the pieces and mend my heart. He faithfully surrounded me and my kids with family and community that helped heal our hearts and I was able to discover who He had made me to be as just me, not as merely a part of a pair. Seven years ago, I was in a good space; I was completely content being single and focusing on raising our boys. However, God clearly had a better plan for me, as I met this gentle giant of a man who was kind and set my heart at ease from the first time we met. For the next two years I learned how to be loved as who God made me to be. No criticism or unkindness, only encouragement, support, and love. Five years ago today, we were married in my mom’s backyard overlooking the river and orchards below, surrounded by mountain foothills and our closest friends and family. Here we are, five years later, and we have three kids who are successfully navigating their way into adulthood, and one bonus kid who is finding his footing after losing all that he had. I am so grateful for God’s compassion for me and His love that is demonstrated to me through my spouse. Of course no relationship is perfect, yet I know I am perfectly loved. We have navigated challenges, hardships, heartaches, and great victories; I am certain that it has been God’s gracious love and strong capable hands that have held us and led us to today. May we ever look back at God’s goodness and give Him praise, and look forward with great anticipation for all that lies ahead with His leading.

The Lord is so good,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

for He knows our heart;

He picks up pieces,

when we fall apart.

He heals what’s hurting,

and makes things brand new;

my heart was transformed,

when He gave me you.

To truly be loved,

in tangible ways;

treasured and valued,

throughout each new day.

One to walk beside,

through all that life brings;

protected, cherished,

always, through all things.

Through the ups and downs,

and the highs and lows;

together we walk,

and see God’s love shown.

O Lord, I thank You,

for this gift of grace;

he reflects Your heart,

by loving Your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of love that You have given me in my Viking. You knew exactly what my heart needed to love and trust the way You designed. Thank You for leading us, carrying us, and showing us each next step as we together, follow after You. Forgive us for the times that we have taken the blessings for granted. Teach us to continue to seek You to lead us in the ways we are meant to go. 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 I praise You for the amazing gift that You have given to me in my spouse, and for the treasure he is as a protector and provider to our community as well. 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. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

– Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

*All photos in this post were taken by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤