Provided Rest

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

“Come to Me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, ERV)

“Come to Me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, CEB)

God is faithful to provide rest, though it does not always come in ways that we might imagine. In our household, my husband’s back went out a few days before my winter break was to begin. This meant a mandatory two weeks off for him, as he needed to rest and recover. For me, I would have typically filled the days with activities and outings yet had to get a few things done and then simply take some time to rest and recover. Yesterday was my love’s first day back to work and he was eager and ready to go. He returned at the end of the day in a good space, as clearly the time he had off provided the rest he needed. It was also my first day back to coaching, as inclement weather prevented us from practicing last Friday. Although I was willing and ready to go, I am certain that the extra day to rest and recover was a very good thing. Our two dogs are good at helping us rest as well, for anytime a seat is taken on the couch in the living room, a velcro dog is quick to come claim the lap of the seated. Their comfort, cuddles, and sweet snoring, cause the lap owner to sit longer than they otherwise might have intended. These may seem like happenstance, but I believe God uses our circumstances to provide what we need most. This break, the heavy loads were laid down and rest is being found. May we all embrace the grace that God grants us and receive the rest that He provides.

The Lord is faithful,

In love, He provides;

The rest we’re needing,

As we choose abide.

Often true rest comes,

In unforeseen ways;

Our circumstances,

Bring us restful days.

Set down your burdens,

And give the Lord praise;

For rest He provides,

In unforeseen ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You see and know our needs and You are faithful to provide what we need most. Thank You that You utilize our circumstances to demonstrate Your overwhelming love. Forgive us for our frustration and angst with circumstances we cannot control, and help us to wait expectantly on You, as You supply us with the strength and rest we need most. Help us to look for the good that You provide in and through all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend rest and refreshment. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the unexpected ways that You bring us real rest. Amen.

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

All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. – Matthew 11:29

Guided In Love

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. – (Psalm 23:1-3, NIV)

The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that He is good. – (Psalm 23:1-3, ERV)

The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His Name. – (Psalm 23:1-3, VOICE)

 

Yesterday was such an incredibly strange day. I felt a bit lost, and quite uncertain as to what I actually was meant to do. After beginning my day with God, I went to the grocery store with my “youngest” boy, and was thankful to find restocked shelves. Upon our return, I sat and pondered and prayed a bit, to determine what to do next. Following the lead of some of my school district colleagues, I constructed a message to my students and families, providing suggested activities and drawing prompts for the coming week, as well as conveying my care for their well-being. Upon completing some other household tasks, I determined to at least begin tackling my grading pile. Just as I completed the final class for the first project that needed grading, my best friend messaged me to go take a walk out in the sunshine. For me, this was exactly what my heart needed, as our walk took us down a steep staircase to the Puget Sound, where we took in the view and soaked up some sunshine, before embracing the challenge of tackling the stairs back up to the road. In Him, I do indeed, have everything I need. He is granting me rest and refreshing my soul. Walking near the waves, comforts me, as I am reminded of His power and strength. Despite what we see, He will lead us on the right path, and show us that He is good. May we ever remember that even in the most uncertain of times, God cares for us; always. He provides, calms, comforts, restores, and leads, demonstrating His unending goodness to all who seek Him.

 

O Lord, my shepherd,

I choose seek Your face;

Lead me and guide me,

In Your loving grace.

Show me the planned paths,

That I’m meant to take;

Help me to love well,

Forgive my mistakes.

The comfort You give,

Help me to give too;

Rest and refreshment,

Grace that makes us new.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You lead us beside still waters and bring us to spaces of comfort and rest. Thank You that You strengthen and restore us so that we can go forth and follow the path that You prepare for us to love others well. Forgive us for not embracing the rest You provide, or for not following where You lead. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would receive all that You offer and go wherever You call. Show us how to love those around us tangibly in ways that make Your heart known and Your provision shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You, our shepherd, to lead and guide us each step of every day. Amen.

 

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

 

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. – Psalm 62:1

Rise Up in Courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

“Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, ERV)

“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

 

This is a timely reminder, as there is an uneasiness, driven by fear, that is greatly impacting society right now. Though the spread of sickness is a reality, it is not something that we need to fear to the point of panic; rather, we ought to walk in wisdom and take preventative measures to stay safe and well. We are commanded to be strong and brave. Strength and courage come when we choose to trust in God, rather than panic at every story released by the press. Hand washing and maintaining healthy habits are ways that we can be wise. May we set our hearts and minds on He who is our strength, and choose to walk in courage knowing that God is with us every step we take.

 

As for mom, she is doing well. There have been several cases of norovirus (puking flu) where she is living, and they placed residents on quarantine to help prevent further spread around the complex. The dining facility is closed for corporate meals, and instead, they are delivering meals to each apartment, individually. All activities are cancelled as well, so if it weren’t for mom’s fabulous friends who come and rescue her to get out and about, she would be quite restless. Thankfully, she is remaining well and aptly entertained by loving friends.  Mom is strong and courageous, and she knows well, that God is with her, everywhere she goes.

 

We are commanded,

Be strong and be brave;

Not by our own will,

But through Him who saves.

For God doesn’t give,

A spirit of fear;

He grants us wisdom,

And draws ever near.

Rise up in courage,

Be strong in His love;

His grace is present,

All help from above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You command us to the strength and courage that You supply. Thank You that You are always with us and You never leave us. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see solutions to what lies before us. We ask that You would bring healing to all those impacted by illness, protect all from further spread, especially those with compromised immune systems, and that You would grant us Your wisdom and peace. Show us how to love those around us well, so that fear would flee and peace would be present. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose courage and strength in You, knowing that You are with us every step that we take. 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

 

New Feathers

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 who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run – never winded, never weary. They will walk – never tired, never faint. – (Isaiah 40:31, VOICE)

 

This morning, this verse has extra meaning for me. A few weeks ago, as I was getting mom ready for bed and she was very tired, she randomly said something about her feathers. I looked at her a little funny, and asked about her plumage. We both giggled, and she shook her head and said it was not what she was trying to say. However, looking at the ERV translation, perhaps she knew exactly what she was saying in her exhausted state. As she is healing and new neurological pathways are rebuilding, it is as if she is growing new feathers to fly. Her “feathers” are the key to restored strength to walk and move and reengage in the activities she longs to do once again. God is faithful, and I think He has a great sense of humor. We laugh often, even in the challenges of all of this. Each day I witness new strength and resolve, where new “feathers” are sprouting.

Yesterday was a wonderful day in every way. My Viking is here, and rather than just relax and visit, he worked tirelessly to assure that mom’s sprinkler system was back up and in working order. He trouble-shot and discovered issues we were not even aware existed. Incredibly, had he not, there could have been major issues with the hillside. Additionally, mom’s middle older brother and his wife came for a visit. We all shared dinner together, and a couple of rounds of a family favorite game. It was wonderful to watch the hearts of each of the two siblings soar in the presence of one another. Each one needed the reassurance of the other, to see that the other was okay, and was going to press on and persevere in faith. The two are in town a few more days, so we anticipate another visit or two prior to their return trip home. (I think being surrounded by the love of family encourages feather growth as well.) May we ever trust in the One who is our Source of strength, as He gives us feathers to fly; endurance to run without growing weary and perseverance to walk and not grow faint.

 

Lord, You are our strength,

When weariness comes;

You form new feathers,

With each rising sun.

You help us to run,

Without growing tired;

To keep pressing on,

Ever inspired.

You are strength to walk,

When steps seem too much;

You hold out Your hand,

Grant Your loving touch.

Lord, help us rise up,

In the strength You give;

With new-found feathers,

Fly free and choose live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we trust in You, we become strong again. Thank You that You renew our strength, granting fresh endurance and resolve to rise up and press on to all that You call us to do. Forgive us for our frustration and lack of perseverance when things don’t go the way we think they ought to go. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would ever seek You for strength, direction, and peace. Show us how to embrace the new “feathers” You are growing in us so that we may rise up and soar. Lead us to love those around us in a way that encourages, strengthens and supports others as they press on toward the prize to which You have called them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You to be our strength forever. 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

Shared Strength in the Struggle

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. – (Galatians 6:2, NLT)

Help each other with your troubles. When you do this, you are obeying the law of Christ. – (Galatians 6:2, ERV)

Love empowers us to fulfill the law of the Anointed One as we carry each other’s troubles. – (Galatians 6:2, TPT)

 

Yesterday was just one of those days. From my own children fighting on the way to school and work, to students struggling behaviorally all day long, by the time the bell rang to signify the close of the school day, I was exhausted. A few colleagues extended kind and encouraging words as I sought solutions to make preparations to alleviate the difficulties that I could control within my own classroom. Upon returning home, I was greeted by listening ears, that were supportive and solution-oriented. The boys all had work or activities to occupy their evening, so a bonus date night was bestowed upon me. Treasured time to relax and connect were exactly what my heart needed most, and the burden that had weighed so heavily upon me at the end of my school day, had now been lifted and replaced with fresh resolve. Love, help and support make a world of difference to the bearer of burdens, and doing such, is walking in obedience to Christ. May we ever extend help or a listening ear to those who are struggling, for doing so lightens the load and is an act of loving obedience, according to God’s good and perfect will.

 

May we choose to walk,

With eyes open wide;

Aware of struggles,

And come alongside.

Draw near to hurting,

Burdened or in need;

Help carry the weight,

Let the Lord’s love lead.

For as we draw near,

To help each other;

Burdens become light,

And grace discovered.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are not meant to carry burdens nor struggle alone. Thank You for the people whom You place in our lives that come along side us, and those whom we are meant to walk beside. Forgive us for not reaching out to those we see in the struggle, or for pretending all is well when it is not. Teach us to trust You more, as You are greater than any difficulty we face, and You never leave us nor forsake us. Show us how to love, support and encourage those around us in a way that lightens the load they are bearing. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we both reach out to give and readily receive Your mercy that is new every morning. Amen.

 

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

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. – Psalm 68:19

 

 

Encouraged and Granted Strength

As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength. – (Psalm 138:3, NLT)

When I called to You for help, You answered me and gave me strength. – (Psalm 138:3, ERV)

The moment I called out, You stepped in; You made my life large with strength. – (Psalm 138:3, MSG)

 

Here I sit, yet again, in awe of how the Lord provides His strength when we need it most. Sometimes, the call for help is as simple as a mere thought, and He provides people to rally around us, encourage us, and point us back to the strength we have in Him, simply by being present. I have had multiple occasions in the last few days, where I found myself in overload mode. Between extenuating circumstances beyond my control, commitments to multiple activities in several different directions, and a serious case of sleep deprivation, I was sinking and calling out for help, and He stepped in and armed me with strength. Rest and encouragement led to renewal, and the strength that was needed, was amply supplied. God is good all the time, even when things are not. May we ever pray to Him for what we need, as He encourages us and supplies us with His strength.

 

As soon as I pray,

The Lord hears my cry;

He’s quick to answer,

As I choose abide.

I am encouraged,

granted what I need;

In strength to rise up,

To go where He leads.

Each time I struggle,

Feel I can’t go on;

I call on the Lord,

His grace makes me strong.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we pray to You, You answer us. Thank You that You encourage us and give us strength. Thank You that You place us in community that supports and builds us up, as we move forward in faith as You call. Forgive us for fearing our own frailty, as we forget that where we are weakest is the place where You are given the greatest opportunity to demonstrate Your strength. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would pray to You and seek Your strength in all things and at all times. Show us how to encourage and build up those that You have placed in our lives for such a purpose. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray to You for help, and trust You to answer and provide Your strength. Amen.

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

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

The Master of Peace

May the Master of Peace Himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! – (2 Thessalonians 3:16, MSG)

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. – (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NLT)

We pray that the Lord of peace will give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all. – (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ERV)

 

Peace can sometimes feel elusive when the season is so full of activities. Though they are good and exciting and enjoyable, they can be stealers of peace if we do not seek to keep our Savior at the center. Despite the lack of daily scheduled routine, my days continue to be filled and busy. The need to begin my day seeking the Lord does not change, and I recognize His peace that is present in places it otherwise would be absent. As I seek Him, I find that His peace follows me throughout my day, and He makes His peace known to me through my interactions with others. May we seek the Lord and His peace in all things, so that in every situation His peace may be made known.

 

The Master of peace,

Is faithful to give;

The grace that we need,

To tranquilly live.

His peace and His grace,

Are ours to receive;

To live and love well,

Show hope to believe.

May our Lord of all,

Be with you always;

Giving You His peace,

As you rise each day.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Lord of peace, and that You give Your peace when we call on You. Thank You that You can bring Your peace into the most tumultuous of situations and circumstances because of who You are. Forgive us for forgetting how great You are. Teach us to trust Your peace more than the chaos that we see. Show us how to present Your peace to those around us in turmoil, as we love like You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for peace at all times and in every situation. All glory unto You, our Mighty Source of peace. Amen.

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

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7

 

Rest in Weariness

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

 

This is a promise that I am holding close. As the end of the school year continues to draw ever nearer, the number of activities and obligations seems to grow exponentially. Days are long, and do not slow down, from early morning until late evening. God is faithful, and seems to provide enough energy to successfully navigate each new day, and here I sit on the final Saturday before the final three and a half days of the school year. Today is booked from early morning to evening, but it is an adventure with friends that refuels me with strength in the midst of my weariness. Regardless of the sort of stretch that lies ahead, there is One on Whom we can depend for strength and help and rest. May we ever seek the Lord in both times of weariness and strength, and welcome the rest that He alone will provide.

 

O Lord, here I stand,

In need of Your rest;

For You, God alone,

Provide for me best.

When weariness comes,

You grant me a way;

To find strength in You,

That is new each day.

And when I’m so tired,

I fear I am done;

Your strength sees me through,

Magnificent One.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we are weary and burdened, You provide us rest in You. Thank You for seeing us through and giving us strength when we are worn, and for walking beside us all of our days. Forgive us for trying to gut things out on our own and not turning in trust to You. Teach us to run to You in times of both struggle and strength, as You are our Source on whom we can always depend. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they would be encouraged and strengthened by Your love through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we find our rest in You. Amen.

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

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. – Psalm 68:19

 

Praise as Majesty Moves

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise Him enough? – (Psalm 106:2, NLT)

No one can describe how great the Lord really is. No one can praise Him enough. – (Psalm 106:2, ERV)

 

Keeping proper perspective in the constant chaos that so often accompanies this time of year is critical. Though all of the activities and festivities are fabulous, that which matters most is our intentional pause to remember the reason for the season. There were a myriad of miracles that took place surrounding the arrival of Christ. A virgin birth, a bright star to show the way, numerous angelic visitations, shepherds serenaded and informed by heavenly hosts, wise men traveling from distant lands to bring gifts, and the list continues… God is so much more than a baby in a manger. That baby grew and healed the downtrodden, the outcast, the sinner and the sick, so that all might come to know Him. More than that, He bore the weight of all of our sin so that we could be in relationship with Him forever. There are not enough words, and not enough time to offer Him the praise He is due. The best that we can do is honor Him with our words and deeds, and extend love and life in tangible and practical ways to those around us. May we seek to honor the Lord in all that we do, so that our very lives are an expression of praise unto Him.

 

Who could ever list,

The glories of God?

For His miracles,

Too vast and too broad.

Who could offer praise,

That would be enough?

The greatness of God,

Whose love covers us.

So let us go forth,

May our lives bring praise;

As we recognize,

The Ancient of Days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your miracles are far too numerous for us to list, and the praise You deserve extends far beyond what we could ever offer. Thank You that You love us where we are, and lead us where we are meant to go. Forgive us for not slowing down in the chaos of the season to really fix our eyes and hearts on You. Teach us to intentionally focus our gaze on You in all things and at all times, so that we may recognize Your miraculous in the everyday, and offer You praise through how we walk out our days. Show us how to love those around us in a way that glorifies You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize Your majesty on the move, and give You praise for all of our days. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Joy for Our Journey

Blessed are those who make You their strength, for they treasure every step of their journey. – (Psalm 84:5, MSG)

 

This has been one of the longest weeks of the year. The first few days of the week felt like weeks, rather than days – not because they were bad, but rather because they were so full and long. As the week has come to a close, it is easy to look back and identify the moments that I treasured most as a result of God’s grace and help that was supplied. Monday and Tuesday, I was given the strength I needed to endure the final full days of the school year and all of the activities that included. Additionally, I was dealing with my own sweet boys who were sick at home, all the while. The days were long and the nights were interrupted with boys in need. Wednesday arrived and I was again sustained in ways that I would not have imagined, followed by more sleep in one night than I normally get in two nights. It was glorious! Thursday and Friday were unscheduled without agendas, and I treasured the freedom to ebb and flow as I so chose.

He is my strength, my help and my hope, and when I keep that in proper perspective, I see the blessings He brings as I journey along. May we allow the Lord to be our source of strength, so that we may treasure every step of our journey, no matter where it may lead.

 

True treasure is found,

As we go along;

Not in our own strength,

But through the Lord’s strong.

For most blessed are we,

Who trust in the Lord;

He grants what we need,

By Him we’re adored.

Embrace the sweet gift,

His strength and His grace;

Joy for our journey,

Hope to light our way. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless us with the strength that we need as it is needed when we turn to You. Thank You that every step of our journey is a treasure in Your presence. Forgive us for not valuing all that is gained from each step that we take along the path on which You lead us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would embrace the difficult with the enjoyable, knowing that You use both to grow us and show us more of You. Lead us to love others in a way that reflects clearly the goodness and grace that You so generously give. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we trust You to be our strength and treasure every step of the journey You have set before us. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31