Together in Unity

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – (Psalm 133:1, NIV)

Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is when God’s people all come together as one! – (Psalm 133:1, ERV)

How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! – (Psalm 133:1, MSG)

Yesterday was the first day of the new school year. The day went well, and the part I appreciated the most was that I have colleagues whom I consider friends. Each of us are united in purpose, seeking to make this the best year possible as we navigate the new together. All day, I witnessed the adults on campus helping students find their way to classes. Each child who began such interactions appeared a bit flustered, but then moved with a smile and purpose after they had been greeted warmly and given help to find their way. Students in each class, though many tired, seemed happy to be back to school, and optimistic about the year that lies ahead. I appreciated that I was able to witness glimpses of personalities and am eager to know my students better, and am hopeful that we can create a classroom community that helps all of us work together to grow and thrive. Additionally, after school, I felt welcomed as I joined the coaching crew for our cross country team. The athletes were sweet and hardworking, and the practice flew by. May every classroom and extra-curricular gathering on campus be a space of unity and purpose, and all who enter find a peaceful place to get along and work together where they feel welcomed, valued and known.

With goals in common,

there is unity;

purposeful actions,

move toward what could be.

May all come to know,

true community;

where each feels valued,

intentionally.

O Lord, please lead us,

to love people well;

bring us together,

where we work and dwell.

May loving kindness,

be given to all;

so those around us,

rise up and stand tall.

Together, in You,

may we lead with grace;

fill and equip us,

throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of colleagues who are united in purpose to care for kids well. Thank You that You call and equip us to work together in unity. Forgive us for the times that we want to wander our own way, or neglect to do what is needed. Teach us to listen to Your leading and to trust You to empower us to move forward into all that You have for us together. Show us how to love and care for one another well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to work together in unity for the common good. Amen.

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

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3

The Root of Hope

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – (Psalm 31:24, NIV)

Be strong and brave, all of you who are waiting for the Lord’s help. – (Psalm 31:24, ERV)

Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon. – (Psalm 31:24, MSG)

Today is to be the first day of school with kids. Hope is the very thing that brings excitement at the onset of a new school year. There is great hope for new learning, growth, and good things that are to come as we navigate the new. This year, we are in a new building that is to be our temporary home for the next year and a half while the old school is rebuilt and made new. Our district always has buzz words that appear over and over again as a sort of theme for the new year in all of our pre-school year trainings. Interestingly, this year, the word they chose is hope. Though I am quite certain that the intent is not in the biblical sense, those of us who believe appreciate the word being selected, for it is hope that keeps us in education and returning to school each day. The dictionary defines hope as: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. Biblically, hope goes far beyond a feeling. It is a knowing in our heart of hearts that no matter what we see or know in the here and now, ultimately, all will be so much better than we could hope or imagine. As I prepare for a few hours from now when the students arrive, I pray that each child that enters my classroom will be filled with hope as they begin the new year. The first several classes of my day are sixth graders, so they have much new to anticipate. May every heart recognize the opportunity to utilize the fresh start and allow themselves to set goals and work toward them.

Ever before us,

are all things made new;

each day a fresh start,

we choose what to do.

Classrooms are prepared,

to welcome new in;

lessons are ready,

as the day begins.

May hope be what’s felt,

as students arrive;

endless potential,

Lord, help each to thrive.

Lead us and guide us,

with goodness and grace;

may each child feel known,

throughout each school day.

Help all to connect,

to know they belong;

let kindness surround,

and courage make strong.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You grant us strength and courage to begin each day new, and You fill our hearts with hope that keeps us moving forward in the direction we are meant to go. Forgive us for our anxious thoughts, as we need to allow hope to rise and fear to be silenced. Teach us to seek You for strength and grace, and lead us in love to walk in Your ways. Show us how to meet each student where they are at, and to care for them well. May all who enter the building feel new hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, our true hope forever. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and praise You for the hope we know in You as we navigate each new day. Amen.

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

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even was we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22

Developing A Legacy

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. – (Psalm 127:3, NIV)

Children are a gift from the Lord, a reward from a mother’s womb. – (Psalm 127:3, ERV)

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb His generous legacy? – (Psalm 127:3, MSG)

As I use my last day before school officially begins to complete final preparations, I appreciate this reminder in today’s reading. Every child that comes into my classroom is a gift from God. No matter how they come, they will become part of their family and community legacy. How we encourage, challenge, inspire, and educate each child impacts who they become. If they learn that they are capable, they will learn to persevere. When they realize they are valued, they tend to value others. Teaching is no small or easy task, yet how we approach the young people in our class can make all the difference. One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou is the epitome of my hope as a teacher: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” If kids feel seen, known, valued, and cared for as they come into my class, I will accomplish my greatest hope for each student that walks in my classroom. Some days, this is far easier than others, yet every day it is equally important. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in how we interact with others, so that each person we meet might feel seen, heard, known, and loved.

One of the best gifts,

we can truly give;

is love and kindness,

each day that we live.

If we show value,

to all whom we meet;

tender hearts can grow,

overcome defeat.

May we encourage,

choose listen and learn;

discover great strengths,

overcome concerns.

Lord, help us to see,

beyond what is shown;

grant grace and wisdom,

so each child feels known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each child is a gift from You, and that each is a part of their own family’s legacy. Thank You that You call us to recognize, see, and foster growth in all whom we meet. Forgive us for our frustrations that keep us from seeing who You have created each person to become. Teach us to seek You to see through Your eyes, for You know the strength and beauty within. Lead us to love well, every person with whom we interact throughout each day. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to value everyone in such a way that they feel seen, heard, known, and loved. Amen.

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

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – (Matthew 5:9, NIV)

“Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace. God will call them His sons and daughters.” – (Matthew 5:9, ERV)

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” – (Matthew 5:9, MSG)

Yesterday’s message was based on this particular passage, as one of our pastors unpacked the multiple meanings of the word “peace”, or as used in the original language in this text, “shalom”. Shalom is the peace of God that goes far beyond a lack of fighting; it is God’s peace that brings comfort, calm, healing, and wholeness. “Shalom” used to be used as both a greeting and word of parting, much in the same way as “aloha” is used in Hawaii. Peace be with you meant the peace of God, or more specifically, God’s wholeness, be within you. We all have the capacity to be peacemakers through Christ. He shows us how to listen, love, encourage, walk beside, and be present with those around us. Such actions are evidence of His peace that brings wholeness, and we can each be equipped to walk in His ways when we depend on Him. The message was timely, as there is always a bit of nervousness and anxiousness as the new school year is about to begin. God is good, and He can fill us to overflowing with His wholeness so that as we welcome people into our classrooms, we too are promoters of His perfect peace. May we ever seek the Lord to bring His healing and wholeness, and may the shalom of Christ be with us all as we navigate each new day.

The peace of the Lord,

is present for all;

it heals and makes whole,

picks up when we fall.

Found in the stillness,

as we seek the Lord;

given lavishly,

so we may give more.

More of His kindness,

His love and His grace;

the sweet, centered calm,

as we seek His face.

May we be the ones,

peacemakers that give;

all of God’s goodness,

each day that we live.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind and life-giving. Thank You that Your peace is so much more than calm, or the absence of fighting. Thank You that Your peace is perfect and brings life and wholeness. Forgive us for seeking peace through anything other than You. Teach us to come before You and rest in Your presence, for in Your presence there is perfect peace. Lead us to love as You do, so that we may be peacemakers wherever we go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us more and more how to be Your peacemakers in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Love Builds Up

We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. – (1 Corinthians 8:1, NIV)

It is certainly true that, “we all have knowledge,” as you say. But this knowledge only fills people with pride. It is love that helps the church grow stronger. – (1 Corinthians 8:1, ERV)

We know that all of us have knowledge, but knowledge can be risky. Knowledge promotes overconfidence and worse arrogance, but charity of the heart (love, that is) looks to build up others. – (1 Corinthians 8:1, VOICE)

Knowledge can fill people with pride and divide, whereas love builds others up and brings us together. Though knowledge is good, it is only as good as how it is utilized. When we take what we know and allow love to lead, then it can be used to bless and build others up. However, when we have not love, knowledge promotes puffed up pride. What we do with what we know determines whether we are united or divided with those around us. Sadly, much of our culture today, has many believing they have “knowledge”, yet it is expressed without love and seeks to divide. Too often, we mistake opinion for knowledge, and leave love behind in conversations. We need to get to a place where we can have candid conversation, sharing what we think or what we know, with mutual love and respect so that all might grow stronger together. Our life experience is an overarching reason for why we believe what we believe and know what we know. Love listens and seeks to understand, where arrogance believes that one’s own way is the only way. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in love so that we may build each other up and set foolish pride aside.

Knowledge is knowing,

neither good or bad;

it can lead to pride,

if love is not had.

Love is the answer,

it gives and builds up;

it seeks understand,

to fill others cups.

Love truly listens,

with mercy and grace;

given selflessly,

and walks in His ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You lead and instruct us in Your ways so that we might love and build up, rather than isolate in arrogance. Thank You that true wisdom comes as we love and pursue You, and such knowing leads us to love well. Forgive us for allowing knowledge to puff us up, rather than allowing Your love to lead us. Show us how to use our understanding to love and build others up. Lead us in Your love throughout each new day. May many come into a loving and lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to understand how to love and build up, so that our community grows stronger in goodness and grace. Amen.

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

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. – Ephesians 4:16

Show Me The Way

Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. – (Psalm 119:35, NIV)

Help me follow Your commands, because that makes me happy. – (Psalm 119:35, ERV)

Guide me to walk in the way You commanded because I take joy in it. – (Psalm 119:35, VOICE)

When we seek God to lead us and guide us in His ways, we discover joy in the journey. Often, His ways are not the ways that we think we want to go, yet when we willingly follow after what He is asking we discover far better than we had hoped or imagined. God’s side roads, detours, and unexpected stops often lead us to things we had never imagined that bring tremendous joy. As I anticipate the new school year that is less than a week away from beginning, I am seeking Him to lead me to walk in His ways, and for joy to be ever-present. Though my assignment is not what I hoped nor imagined, it is familiar and content that I taught last year. The familiarity may be a huge blessing in a space that is brand new, with new classes of students. God is good, and I know that He will continue to provide joy and peace as I go, and He will be faithful to lead me to walk in His ways.

The Lord is so good,

He’s faithful to lead;

in all that we should,

and all that we need.

He shows us the ways,

we are meant to go;

He grants us His peace,

and makes His love known.

The Lord will show us,

His ways that are best;

He’ll strengthen, equip,

and grant our hearts rest.

Help me, Lord Jesus,

to walk in Your ways;

and bring You glory,

throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You show us the ways that we are meant to go, and You provide joy and peace along the journey. Thank You that You are faithful forever, and we can trust that Your ways are good. Forgive us for our fears and doubts and disappointments when things turn out differently than we had hoped or imagined. Teach us to ever trust in You and follow Your commands. Show us how to love those around us lavishly, so that glimpses of Your glory are made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us the ways in which we are meant to go, and praise You for the joy You provide through Your goodness and kindness to us all. Amen.

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

Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your Name lead and guide me. – Psalm 31:3

The Goodness of God

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – (Psalm 118:1, NIV)

Praise the Lord because He is good! His faithful love will last forever! – (Psalm 118:1, ERV)

Thank God because He’s good, because His love never quits. – (Psalm 118:1, MSG)

Technology is both a blessing and a curse to me. I appreciate the convenience and ease of communication and connection when everything is working as it should, yet find it enormously frustrating when an issue arises. Yesterday afternoon when I had a quick break between school and 6th grade schedule pick-up night, I returned home and was going to help one of the twins with school registration. As I opened my laptop to get signed in, something was suddenly horribly wrong. The lower left hinge point of the screen seemed to be hanging by a thread. It appeared as though some sort of spring had been released and everything was sent awry as a result. My husband took a look at it when he arrived home, and messaged me that it was done. This morning, as I was making coffee and feeding our dogs, my dear spouse was getting his computer set up for me where I normally do my devotions and writing. Because of his kindness and thoughtfulness, I am back to it without any sort of delay. I know it is a seemingly small inconvenience, and truly a first-world problem, yet my morning routine is something that matters to me, and my husband knows and values what I need to prepare for my day, and did what he could to help. To me, this is the goodness of God made evident. God gave my love a heart that is tender and aware, and he jumps in to help whenever he is able. All this to say that it is so often in the small things that we are made acutely aware of the goodness of God and the depth of His lasting love. He sees our heart and knows what helps and blesses us, and He makes a way when we thought there would not be a way. May we ever give God praise throughout all of our days, for He is good and His love endures forever.

All praise be to God,

His love is so good;

He sees what we need,

makes grace understood.

With kindness, He gives,

and blesses our heart;

makes His goodness known,

as each new day starts.

Faithful forever,

His love will endure;

through life’s ups and downs,

His presence assured.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for Your faithfulness;

for people who love,

and show Your kindness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that Your love lasts forever. Thank You that You bless us with people in our lives who see and know us well. Thank You that You show us Your love through the kindness given to us, through all things great and small. Forgive us for our frustrations with things we cannot control. Teach us to trust You more, for You provide all that we need and more, and Your love for us is overwhelmingly good. Show us how to love those around us in ways that bless hearts and remind people of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and for Your faithful love that knows no end. Amen.

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

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. – Philippians 2:13

Steward What’s Given

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV)

You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit that you received from God and that lives in you. You don’t own yourselves. God paid a very high price to make you His. So honor God with your body. – (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ERV)

Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who comes from God and dwells inside of you? You do not own yourself. You have been purchased at a great price, so use your body to bring glory to God! – (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, VOICE)

The human body is an amazing creation, as it can do so much. Incredibly, when we give our lives to the Lord and invite Him to be King of our lives, He sends His Spirit to come and dwell within us. To think that God, the Holy Spirit, is within us in all that we do, is a powerful reminder of the importance of tending the temple. Our bodies are given so that we can love God and love people well. When we take care of our bodies, we are better equipped to utilize what we have been given for His glory. The older I get, the more I recognize the importance of taking care of the temple, for all that we do either strengthens or takes a toll. This tending to the temple must include mind, body and spirit if we want to be fit to serve God well. It is easy to get out of balance and prioritize one of the three, rather than be continually nurturing, fueling, and challenging each. Our mind and spirit can be kept clean and focused through washing with His word and through worship. Our bodies need movement to stay limber and strong so that we can go and do and be all that He has for us. Jesus is our ultimate example, as He sought time on His own to commune with the Father, and He traveled near and far on foot and by boat. Ultimately, He sacrificed His own life for ours so that we could be forgiven and made clean, and then sent His Spirit to remain with us. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in tending the temple in which we have invited Him to dwell, for He is faithful to show us how to best care for our mind, body and spirit as we follow after Him.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for the body we’re in;

purposefully made,

the outside and within.

Each of us unique,

with specific design;

with strengths and talents,

to love well all mankind.

Thank You for Your life,

as You modeled the way;

to tend Your temple,

and love well through each day.

For Your sacrifice,

our everlasting hope;

forgiveness and grace,

anchor and safety rope.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sacrifice that paid the price for our sin and shame. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit that comes and dwells within us when invited. Thank You for the gift of our body, mind and spirit, for each was given to glorify You. Forgive us for the times that we neglect the temple. Teach us to tend it well, as we seek You to strengthen and cleanse us – body, mind, and spirit. Show us how to love those around us with all that we are. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we tend well the temple of Your Holy Spirit so that we may love well. Amen.

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

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22

So Much More

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. – (Psalm 111:2, NIV)

The Lord does wonderful things, more than anyone could ask for. – (Psalm 111:2, ERV)

The works of the Eternal are many and wondrous! They are examined by all who delight in them. – (Psalm 111:2, VOICE)

God is so good and He does great things that go far beyond what we could hope or imagine. Yesterday was the first official day back on campus for staff and I was so blessed to reconnect with colleagues as we gathered and went over many of the logistics of our new space for the next year and a half (while our campus is being rebuilt). Though it feels like a monumental task to set up and prepare in the unfamiliar, there is an excitement in the air for something new. Leadership students trickled in to help create posters and do some sorting and set up, and it was so good to see students and athletes that I have taught and/or coached. One thing that has remained the same this year is my schedule each day. I will again have three math classes and two art classes to teach. I am hopeful, as there was so much time and energy invested last year into getting to know new curriculum and content, that I anticipate the blessing of familiarity and utilizing the work I accomplished prior. The Lord always does so much more than I could hope or imagine when I place all in His hands. He leads, loves, encourages, and upholds me through all things. May we continually seek the Lord and His help, and give Him praise for the wonderful things He does for us all.

Many the wonders,

the blessings of Christ;

He helps and upholds,

more than once or twice.

Each day as we wake,

He is bringing new;

new help and new hope,

and new things to do.

Through everything,

we are shown the good;

the beauty of love,

His grace understood.

May we give Him thanks,

in all that we do;

in awe and wonder,

all praise unto You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the countless ways that You love and bless us throughout all of our days. Thank You that You lead and love, help and uphold, and show us how good You truly are. Thank You that You do so much more than we could hope or imagine. Forgive us for our lack of faith when we cannot see how You are working. Teach us to trust You more, for You have a plan and a purpose for us all. Show us how to love those around us in the same way that You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the wondrous ways You love and for the incredible things You do. Amen.

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

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Give Thanks

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story… – (Psalm 107:2a, NIV)

Everyone the Lord has saved should repeat that word of thanks. – (Psalm 107:2a, ERV)

Let all those redeemed by the Eternal – those rescued from times of deep trouble – join in giving thanks. – (Psalm 107:2, VOICE)

All of us who know God and have a relationship with Him, have stories of His goodness and faithfulness to tell. We all have challenges, trials, and struggles, yet when we know our Savior, we know help and hope, strength and peace, even in times where such things do not make sense. Over the weekend, the twins and I drove a couple hundred miles to go and spend time with my mom for her birthday. She did not know they were coming along, and was beyond blessed and surprised at their presence. We had an incredible weekend together, and watching the joy my mom felt was mirrored in my own heart. After a bad fall, a broken hip and surgery, it was especially good to see mom back to herself and able to get out and able to transfer well to get in and out of the car to go on adventures. Besides doctor visits, it was the first time she had really gotten to get out and shop since surgery and recovery. We were able to dine out and explore the area, and I don’t think the smile left her face the entire time we were together. Even with a minor scare, God provided joy and laughter as we waited for the all clear to be on our way again. Though mom’s mobility is still impacted by the stroke, her hip injury is no longer a factor, and the accounts of His goodness and faithfulness are too numerous to list. For my kids, it was a reminder of the joy found in spending time together, as they have been unable to take enough time off from work to make the long drive to see her for over a year. Having experienced the goodness of our visit, they are now planning on requesting time off and scheduling weekend trips to see Mom. God is good, and the blessing of time together with family and loved ones grant us glimpses of heaven here on earth. May we ever give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and grace, and share of His faithfulness forever.

The goodness of God,

our story to tell;

of kindness and grace,

and how He loves well.

His heart is for us,

with each beat we know;

our lives have purpose,

and in Him we grow.

His love rises up,

to overflowing;

as we recognize,

good is love showing.

Lord, help us to see,

and know in our heart;

all good comes from You,

for love is Your art.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You redeem us and You bring beauty from ashes in our lives. Thank You for the gift of family. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to give You praise for Your goodness and presence, even when our circumstances are not. Teach us to seek You and recognize Your loving presence in all things, for You never leave us nor forsake us. Show us how to love those around us well, so that others may see Your heart for them too. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness and love, and thank You for Your abundant outpouring of grace as we walk out our days. 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