Gentle Presence

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – (Philippians 4:5, NIV) 

Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. – (Philippians 4:5, ERV) 

Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. – (Philippians 4:5, VOICE) 

The Voice translation resonates the most clearly with me, as the people I have known who have demonstrated God’s love in practical and tangible ways, have a gentle nature that makes me aware of the Lord’s nearness. Peace pours out from a gentle and kind spirit, and love begets love. Because God is always with us, we are loved and equipped in such a way, that we may have a gentle nature, even in spaces where we have to utilize great strength. Gentleness does not mean weak, but rather it is the strength to extend kindness in love, even when it seems counterproductive. God’s ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. The more we pursue Him, the greater our desire to love as He loves; for He sees all of His creation through His lens of love. Imagine if all of us chose to allow our gentleness to be evident to all. Kindness and love would become the standard mode of operation, and God’s love would be abundantly clear all around us. May we ever seek the Lord to fill and lead us, so that His gentleness in us may be obvious. 

Lord, teach us, show us, 

To be gentle, kind; 

To love as You love, 

So Your peace we’ll find. 

Your nearness to us, 

The strength that we need; 

To walk in Your grace, 

And follow Your lead. 

Grant us eyes to see, 

How gentleness spreads; 

The more that we love, 

Do as Your word says. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You show us how to live and love with a gentleness like Yours. Thank You that You provide the strength we need to be gentle and kind. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our own ego, hurt or frustration to dictate how we respond to those around us, rather that choosing to respond gently in love. Show us how to walk in Your gentleness and love so that all those around us may be aware of the greatness of Your grace and the beauty of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for strength and wisdom to live out our days with a heart set on being gentle and kind. Amen. 

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

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1 

Trust for Transition

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, NLT)

I pray that God, the source of all hope, will infuse your lives with an abundance of joy and peace in the midst of your faith so that your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, VOICE)

Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in Him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with His super-abundance until you radiate with hope! – (Romans 15:13, TPT)

 

Yesterday was a transition day for me. As I traveled from west to east, my heart was full of hope and excited anticipation to see mom, as I could not wait to witness the positive gains she has made in my time away. Upon my arrival, she was happily visiting with a dear friend. Though there was a gap between when my sister had gone home and I had arrived, we both were at peace, thanks to a few of her sweet, sister-like friends. As soon as her friend had gone, mom confessed that she was exhausted. It had been an extraordinarily long week, and I think having a few different people with her, for more than a brief time without one of us present, had taken a toll on her. With us, she knows that she can say or do anything, and we can read her body language and facial expressions – so little effort is required. This is why the number of visitors currently allowed is extraordinarily limited right now. (per her request) She is doing amazingly well, but I imagine there are insecurities and anxieties about finding the right words with those she doesn’t talk to daily. I am certain that much of her desire to wait to see people, has much to do with this, and my sister and I are doing everything we can to safeguard and protect mom’s wishes. It does not matter if those wanting to visit are not bothered by her struggle for finding words; if it bothers her and she does not want to share the struggle with others yet, we will honor our mother. Period. For those who have been incredibly gracious in the waiting, thank you.

As for the fountain of hope and uncontainable joy, I am seeing God fill mom with fresh hope and joy, every single day. Though her right hand is still not cooperating as she would like, she no longer hides it under a pillow on her lap, but rather she stretches it out with her other hand, holds onto it, recognizes it, and continues to send signals to tell it to move. She is hopeful, and does have feeling, so we trust that it is simply a matter of time. Peace in the waiting is clearly present. Most shifts, mom manages to have the kindest and most experienced charge nurse assigned to her. My guess is that they argue about who gets to work with her, as she is always smiling, gracious, grateful, and appreciative of all that they do to help with her healing.

The next week and a half are going to be pivotal for all of us, as we have some critical decisions to make about where mom ought to be next, in the transition. We are not sure yet as to whether to be at her house, Meg’s house, or mine, as much will depend on insurance, available therapies, accessibility, and of course, what mom wants. Obviously, we want what is very best for mom in this season as she continues to gain strength and heal. She will not be ready to live alone, nor would we want her to do so, even if she were. Please join us in praying for wisdom and direction to be made abundantly clear. Not our will, but His.

 

Let the Lord of hope,

Fill you with all joy;

For His perfect peace,

All doubt does destroy.

Choose trust in the One,

Whose power and grace;

Surround and indwell,

Abound in your space.

His filling’s so great,

We too, overflow;

Radiate His hope,

So others may know.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, You fill us completely with joy and peace, as we trust in You. Thank You that You fill us to overflowing with confident hope, by the power of Your Holy Spirit within us. Forgive us for fearing the unknown, or being anxious about that which we cannot control. Teach us to trust all in Your hands. Show us how to listen for Your voice and to walk in the way that You lead. Direct our every step, O God. Lead us to love those around us in a way that demonstrates the joy and peace that are found through hope held in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place all of our trust in Your hands. Amen.

 

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

 

Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. – Psalm 9:10

Sing Praise

I will praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. – (Psalm 69:30, NIV)

I will praise God’s Name in song. I will honor Him by giving Him thanks. – (Psalm 69:30, ERV)

Then I will praise God with my singing! My thanks will be His praise. – (Psalm 69:30, TLB)

 

During my quick turn-around at home, I was able to spend time with my boys and attend early service at my church prior to driving back to Wenatchee yesterday. During worship, there were moments that the words would be stuck behind the lump in my throat, yet my heart was still singing His praise. Fast-forward to my drive, and I had plenty of time to reflect on my own. Anyone in my close circle who has road-tripped with me, knows that I actually enjoy blasting a variety of music and singing at the top of my lungs. At first, the heaviness in my heart needed a little… hmm… let’s just say Skillet fit the bill best. (They also happen to be my favorite jam for running) Anyway, the heaviness began to give way to hope, and I switched gears and began to listen to worship music. There was something powerful about singing praise. A calm came over me, and all I could think about was how different this drive to Wenatchee was than my drive had been one week prior. One week ago, Mark was driving me into the unknown. We had received devastating news after investigating the prompting within us, and did not have any idea of the condition mom would be in when we arrived. This time, I had so much to be thankful for: we are so grateful to still have mom (we know that so often people in similar circumstances do not have such a fortunate fate), she is able to understand everything, she can communicate clearly, she has feeling in her right side (which is hopeful, even with the current paralysis of the right arm and leg), we have an incredible army supporting us all – in Wenatchee, Federal Way, Albany, across the country, and around the world (we are overwhelmed in the very best way by the outpouring of love and support!), and we, above all else, have a God in heaven who loves and heals, holds and moves, and has us all in the palm of His hands.

Last evening, after I had returned and spent several hours at the hospital with Meg and Mom, my sister and I went to the acute care facility on a scouting mission. We managed to talk our way in, and were very pleased with both the people that we met and the facility and how it is set up. Our biggest prayer now is that the move actually occurs today, as scheduled, and that there are no insurance or medical obstacles to prevent the move. Mom is more than ready to get out of the hospital and begin being far more active than the hospital setting allows. She is still not ready to have visitors outside of family or those we consider “framily” (friends so close that they have become an extension of the family). For those who love her dearly and are eager to visit, please be patient and know that waiting is best for her healing. In the meantime, you are welcome to download Marco Polo and send her a video message, send a card, a text message, etc. She still is not interested in her phone, but we will take it each day to show videos or read messages that are encouraging.

May we praise Him with songs of thanksgiving, for He is worthy of all of our thanks and praise.

 

When I’m lost for words,

View from Mom’s back deck. ❤

Or sound won’t give way;

My hearts still shall sing,

Lord, ever I’ll praise.

No matter what comes,

You always are good;

When my world’s shattered,

Beside me, You’ve stood.

You never leave me,

Ever You stay near;

You point me to hope,

And silence my fear.

Each morning I rise,

And greet the new day;

I give all to You,

O Lord, lead the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness to us, even in this. Thank You that You love us in tangible ways, as You have surrounded us with an army of warriors, ready to serve. Thank You for making Your presence and Your blessings so abundantly clear, even in the midst of the hardest circumstances. Forgive us for our spaces of fear and doubt. Teach us to trust You more, as You are far greater than anything that stands in the way of Your will being done. Remind our hearts to sing when our voices cannot find the words. Continue to place Your song in our hearts, as Your song is truth and life and light. Show us how to love those around us in a way that shares Your tune. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as our lives sing Your song of praise each day that we draw breath. Amen.

 

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

 

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:9

 

 

 

 

 

Plan With Purpose

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. – (Proverbs 19:21, NLT)

People might make many plans, but what the Lord says is what will happen. – (Proverbs 19:21, ERV)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. – (Proverbs 19:21, MSG)

 

This is an interesting paradox, as God gives us intellect and free will, yet a heart to seek and serve Him. There are things that are abundantly clear as to what we are meant to do, and others, where it seems that we must brainstorm, make plans, and move forward using our best judgement. It is in these spaces that I think it is good to remember that if our heart is for Him, we need not worry, as His purpose will prevail. Even when we begin in a seemingly misguided direction, twists and turns, hills and valleys become a part of the journey, and our route ends up at an incredible destination. Perhaps God’s ultimate plan and purpose is for the learning and growth that takes place along the way, as we end up on a seeming round-about adventure. May we seek the Lord in all that we do, and ever move forward in the direction to which feel we are called.

 

God grants us a mind, 

To know and make plans;

Let us seek His will,

With purpose, we stand.

Despite all our plans,

God’s will shall prevail;

For what the Lord says,

Will not ever fail.

Let us choose rise up,

In awe, seek His ways;

Trust the Lord to lead,

For all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your purpose ultimately prevails. Thank You that though we make plans and seek to do the right thing, You always know best, and lead us to the place where You intend for us to go. Forgive us for planning without seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would ask You and listen for Your leading, rather than attempt to plan out the entire path of our lives. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates faith and gratitude for the grace that You so generously give. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your plans and purposes for our life, both now and forevermore. Amen.

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

Surely 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

 

The Gift of Generosity

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. – (Proverbs 11:25, NLT)

Give freely, and you will profit. Help others, and you will gain more for yourself. – (Proverbs 11:25, ERV)

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. – (Proverbs 11:25, MSG)

 

The kingdom of God does not operate according to the rules of man. In our own limited understanding, living a life of generosity and helpfulness is almost counter-intuitive. If one is trying to get ahead, giving one’s time, resources and energy does not necessarily make sense. However, in God’s economy, this is the very way things work. The last shall be first. We gain life when we give ourselves away. He blesses as we bless others. When our motivation is otherly, we somehow end up being blessed in the process. God does something remarkable when we take our attention off of ourselves and focus on those around us. Somehow, whatever seemed to weigh us down, no longer holds as much significance when we choose to be generous with others. Often seeing those we were able to walk beside flourish, is the very blessing our heart needed most. May we choose to give freely and help others in this sacred season, as the Lord refreshes us as we honor Him.

 

Let us give freely,

Choose to help and bless;

For through our giving,

His peace we possess.

The God of all grace,

Refreshes our hearts;

As we bless others,

His life He imparts.

May love lead the way,

Generosity;

So all might see God,

And come to believe.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are far above our ways. Thank You that when we give of ourselves, You meet us and refresh us and never leave us depleted. Thank You that You call us to live generously, as You are overwhelmingly generous with us. Forgive us for not giving freely of our time, resources or ourselves as You call us to do. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would rise up and help where we see need that You have given us wisdom, resources or grace to meet. Show us how to love those around us as You would love, so that Your light and life would be abundantly clear through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give, help and love others as You have done for us. Amen.

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

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19