Praise for the Mommas

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the times to come. – (Proverbs 31:25, HCSB)

She is a strong person, and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence. – (Proverbs 31:25, ERV)

Clothed in strength and dignity, with nothing to fear, she smiles when she thinks about the future. – (Proverbs 31:25, VOICE)

I am blessed to have such a mother, and many mother-like people who have been a part of my life when I needed them most. God gives such traits to those who earnestly seek Him, and a heart to love and provide, protect and promote peace, are some of the ways that His love is made clearly known. Despite the monumental challenges my own mom has faced (and continues to endure), her joy is contagious when she knows that she will see or speak with beloved family and friends. Incredibly, throughout my life, there have been a number of mother-like women who have spoken into my life, provided encouragement, strength, care and kindness, that propelled me to press on. As a child, there were all of my aunts, my mom’s dearest friends, and of course, my own mom. In my teen years, there were youth leaders, teachers, coaches, and more, whose strength and respect were admired and something to aspire to follow. Throughout adulthood, and especially becoming a mom myself, those who had more life experience were ever ready to offer encouragement and support. Even now, the things that my mom and grandma spoke into my life clearly resound as I navigate all that life brings. This is an ongoing journey of discovery, to become the woman that God has made me to be. He is good, and He provides what we need as it is needed, and brings amazing women into our lives to be the heart that encourages, supports, strengthens and lifts up when we need it most. My hope is that I am able to do the same for those around me, for I know the incredible blessings that I have been given and hope to do likewise. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love as He loves, and give Him thanks for all of the mommas in our lives.

All thanks be to God,

for all that He gives;

the moms in our lives,

that teach us to live.

Their strength inspires,

us to be our best;

to trust in Jesus,

through all of life’s tests.

Dignity, honor,

and uplifting ways;

belong to the ones,

who love us always.

May we remember,

and choose celebrate;

the ones He’s given,

throughout all our days.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for those whom we know;

their help and goodness,

ever help us grow.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of mothers and those who are mom-like to others. Thank You for my mom, who not only loves us well, but has loved so many others and has show Your goodness and grace in spaces it had been lacking. Forgive us for the opportunities we pass up to love well, for we never know the depth of need of those around us. Teach us to trust You to lead us in all things and at all times, for You know how to bless and encourage everyone. Show us how to love as You intended, and to “mom” with strength and dignity and hope for all that lies ahead. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for providing us with mommas all throughout our life. Amen.

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

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. – Proverbs 31:26

In All Things

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – (Romans 12:12, NIV)

Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray at all times. – (Romans 12:12, ERV)

Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. – (Romans 12:12, VOICE)

No matter what we face today, we are able to find joy because we know that hope is not just for here and now, but it is eternal. When we are in the midst of affliction, trials or difficulty, we can have patience to hold us up in knowing Who is for us. The way to remember our hope and help is to keep praying. When we pray, we remember that He is God and we are not. His plans are greater than our own, and we either heal, grow, or gain a testimony of God’s goodness when we are on the other side.

This is skin cancer awareness month. As such, I cannot help but think back to my own experience, a year and a half ago. Yes, I waited far too long to go and see a dermatologist for a skin check, especially as a redhead, but I did, at long last, have an appointment on the books. My very first appointment, when asked if I had any spots of concerns, I pointed to a mystery bump just above my lip. Upon further investigation, the dermatologist determined that it would need to be biopsied and sent to the lab. From there, I was sent to a specialist, who had to do a more invasive biopsy, only to reveal that it was indeed squamous cell cancer. I had to undergo a Mohs procedure, followed by plastic surgery. Thankfully, after a quarter-sized portion of my skin above my lip was removed, it was determined to be successful. The thing about this whole ordeal was that I absolutely prayed continually, and discovered joy, even in the scary spaces (as there have been numerous watchful follow ups and scans). I have had to be patient both in the process and the recovery and healing, as there was a day between the Mohs surgery and the plastic surgery, and the healing process when facial nerves are cut is strange and lengthy. All this to say that despite the ordeal, my take away is gratitude to God that all was caught and has been deemed good, and the importance of remaining vigilant about skin protection as I move forward. Each time I feel a strange twinge above my lip, I am reminded of His faithfulness and goodness, and that nerves take a long time to heal. My purpose in sharing this is first, to highlight the reality of this verse, as hope, joy, patience and prayer are necessary to navigate each day. Second, please, get your skin checked. Skin cancer is one of the easier cancers to treat, but early detection is essential in preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body.

May we hold to hope,

in all things always;

for there joy is found,

throughout all our days.

No matter what comes,

the Lord will remain;

we must be patient,

through patience comes change.

In all things always,

continue to pray;

for God hears each word,

we think and we say.

He knows all our fears,

and what brings delight;

our Healer and Help,

for He makes things right.

So trust in the Lord,

and patiently pray;

be real with the One,

Who loves us always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our reason for hope and joy, patience and peace, even when such things are not aligned with what we are experiencing. Thank You that we can come to You and pray to You without fear or hesitation. Forgive us for our fears and worries when unknowns come our way. Thank You that You are greater than all that we face. Continue to teach us to trust and hope in You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that provide hope, help, patience and peace in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray continually and seek You to continue to show us the hope and joy, peace and patience that You provide throughout each new day. Amen.

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

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

With Thanks

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – (Colossians 3:17, HCSB)

Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. – (Colossians 3:17, ERV)

Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father. – (Colossians 3:17, VOICE)

After a great spring break that went far too quickly, this is a great verse to set my heart right as I go. It will be a busy day, as it is not only the first day back for staff and students, but it is also the first day of coaching volleyball this season. There is a long list of girls who will be trying out, and reteaching routines in the classroom after a break require much patience, as we push into the final long stretch of the school year. Ultimately, when I remember who I am doing it all for, my priorities are set right and my heart seeks to love as He loves me. In all of the busy, my aim is to walk in gratitude, for He has been so good to me. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, so that all that we say and do is done unto Him with thanksgiving.

All unto the Lord,

in word, thought, and deed;

may His love be shown,

as He meets our needs.

He grants us patience,

the strength to be kind;

to do things with love,

with heart, soul, and mind.

In everything,

may we let love lead;

for His way’s greater,

and He meets our needs.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

Your way in all things;

lead us and guide us,

in everything.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and kind. Thank You that You ask us to do all things unto You so that we might choose to love as You love. Forgive us for every word, thought, and deed that did not glorify You. Teach us to trust You more to lead us so that we may reflect Your goodness and love in all that we say and do. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate our gratitude for who You are and how You love us all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in all that we say and do, and give You thanks in all things. Amen.

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

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

Love Each Other

For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. – (1 John 3:11, HCSB)

This is the teaching you have heard from the beginning: We must love each other. – (1 John 3:11, ERV)

For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. – (1 John 3:11, MSG)

The message that ought to motivate us in all that we say and do is to love each other. God keeps it simple for our sake, yet we struggle to love one another in all things and at all times. It is easy to love people who love us back, but it is another thing to choose to love those who oppose you, are rude to you, or extend only unkindness in our direction. There was no disclaimer in the call to love. God calls us to love in all things and at all times. Love may look different in various situations and circumstances, but the root motivation for all that we do must be love. This is far more easily said than done. All it takes is one rude driver cutting us off, or an inconsiderate person doing something unkind, and love goes out the window. It is an intentional, conscious choice to seek the Lord to lead us in His love in all things and at all times. Sometimes, in the moments that my mind wants to react, my heart responds and reminds me that I don’t know what they are going through and perhaps their circumstances are distracting them from being fully aware of their surroundings. In those moments, I ask God to bless them, protect them, and grant them peace. When my spirit is quickened to kindness, I am in awe of God’s grace. Often, I remind myself of the difference it has made when I have received undeserved kindness instead of condemnation in my own moments of difficulty. We are an ongoing work in progress and I am so thankful that Jesus modeled what it is to love in all things. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that His heart is made evident to those around us through His goodness and grace.

The message we’ve heard,

is to choose to love;

in all things always,

like the Lord above.

His love is patient,

and always it’s kind;

His love embraces,

our heart, soul, and mind.

Love leads us in peace,

to forgive, give grace;

help one another,

and walk in His ways.

For when we follow,

His leading of love;

we show His goodness,

point to Him above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and show us what it is to do so through the example set by Jesus. Forgive us for the times that we are not motivated by love in what we say and do. Show us how to love in all things and at all times. Lead us 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 lead us in Your love in every interaction throughout every day. Amen.

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

This is what I command you: Love one another. – John 15:17

Be Our Strength

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – (Psalm 105:4, NIV)

Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to Him for help. – (Psalm 105:4, ERV)

Seek the Eternal and His power; look to His face constantly. – (Psalm 105:4, VOICE)

It is easy to forget how challenging this time of year is, until it again returns. We are in the home stretch, with one long day of conferences and one short one, as that is all that lies between local educators and spring break. As I continue to look to the Lord to be my strength as I seek Him each morning, I am reminded again and again that He is faithful and the One on whom we must depend. Even reflecting on earlier this week, I can look back and see His faithful provision of what I needed. Yesterday afternoon, after three conferences after school, I had a volleyball meeting at the high school with the head coach and athletic director there. Immediately following our meeting, the two of of us coaches went on a short quest to see if an old friend was still at work on campus. As we discovered the location of her room, we were joyfully greeted by her and ended up visiting for a good twenty minutes. For me, it was a reminder of how God blesses us with people in our lives that no matter how much time has gone by, it is always the same when in one another’s presence. That little visit was an encouragement to me, as her joy in a move up to high school was evident and I am always blessed to see the good in the lives of others. Again this morning, I find I am overwhelmingly grateful for all that God has brought me and my family through this year. As always, His faithful presence and loving kindness are clear when looking back. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, for He is faithful each time we look to Him.

Choose look to the Lord,

ever seek His face;

for He is the One,

Who floods us with grace.

Strength in our weakness,

patience in our lack;

good in our struggles,

grace that He unpacks.

Seek the Lord for strength,

for His knows no end;

faithful forever,

our Father and Friend.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

through all things, always;

be our help and hope,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and faithful and worthy of all of our trust. Thank You that as we seek You, You supply the strength we need to navigate each new day. Forgive us for the times that we try to muscle our way through things instead of seeking You. Show us again and again how You have been faithful before and will continue. Lead us to love those around us well so that Your love and goodness is obvious. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

But those who trust 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 faint. – Isaiah 40:31

Strong in Him

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

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

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

We are encouraged to draw our strength from God. This means that God never intended for us to power through things on our own, or somehow build up resilience by continuing in struggles alone. He grants us His power and strength so that we can rise up and do the things that He has called us to do. Sometimes, He changes our circumstances, but more often, He changes us. God is faithful to provide what we need when we need it so that we can continue in the direction to which we have been called. The more we seek Him and spend time in His presence, the more aware we become of His nearness, help, strength and power. May we ever seek the Lord in all things, for He is the One who provides the strength we need in all things and at all times.

The Lord is our strength,

the One we can trust;

to supply our need,

to do what we must.

His power’s perfect,

When we seem have none;

He strengthens, equips,

so His will is done.

As we call on Him,

He hears what we need;

and grants us His strength,

as we let Him lead.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our strength comes from You as we seek You. Thank You that You meet us in our moments and carry us through so that we can stand strong in You. Forgive us for the times that we have doubted what You can do. Continue to teach us that we can trust in You in all things and at all times. Lead us to love as You love so that all those around us are strengthened and encouraged by Your goodness and grace. Be glorified O God, as we continue to seek You to be our strength throughout all of our days. Amen.

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

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – 2 Samuel 22:33

To Love and Be Loved

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, NIV)

So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust Him! He keeps His agreement. He shows His love and kindness to all people who love Him and obey His commands. He continues to show His love and kindness through a thousand generations. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, ERV)

I want you to know that the Eternal your God is the only true God. He’s the faithful God who keeps His covenants and shows loyal love for a thousand generations to those who in return love Him and keep His commands. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, VOICE)

God is faithful and true, and we can trust Him to keep His word. As we seek Him and follow after Him and His ways, we discover His love and kindness throughout all of our days. That does not mean that all is easy and without challenge, but it does mean that He makes His presence known and walks beside us through all things. As I pondered each part of this verse, I wondered just how long a thousand generations might be. According to my quick Google search, that is 20,000 years. What that means is that for us, it has been a bit less that 4,000 years since Moses, so His faithfulness will continue far beyond our lifetime and the lives of those who follow after us. I imagine it was used to illustrate a concept that continues forever. Incredibly, when Jesus came, He let us know that all of God’s commands can be simplified into loving God and loving our neighbor. If we do these things, we keep His commands. I know in theory this seems quite simple, but it requires an act of willful obedience to choose to love God and love people all the time. Loving people means EVERYONE, even if they are rude, unkind, or worse. It does not mean placing ourselves in harm’s way, but if we cannot love safely in person, we can still pray for them and ask God to move in them and through them. May we ever seek the Lord and invest time with Him and in His word, so that we are equipped to love Him and love all whom we encounter.

The Lord is faithful,

throughout all of time;

He leads and guides us,

with His love in mind.

He shows us His grace,

as He leads in love;

all help, faith and hope,

come from God above.

His love is the light,

that shows us the way;

to love as He loves,

so in Him, we stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we choose to love and follow after You, You show us Your kindness and faithfulness forever. Thank You that we can love because You first loved us. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved or have not sought after You and Your best for us. Teach us how to trust You more, so that we love You and those around us in all things and at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You as the One True God, and thank You for Your endless faithfulness and love that lead us to love like You. Amen.

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

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

To Boldly Love

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. – (2 Timothy 1:7, ERV)

You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit. – (2 Timothy 1:7, VOICE)

God’s intention for us is not to be afraid or timid, but to trust in His power and love and to seek Him to be self-disciplined. Not surprisingly, they all seem to go together. As I am disciplined to seek Him and spend time in His word, I become more aware of His power and love at work, both in and through me, and discover that there is no fear in perfect love. It does not mean that everything is easy or that fear never arises, but it does mean that I know Who goes before me, walks with me, and will remain present through all things and at all times. God is always good, no matter what life brings. I am so grateful for His loving kindness, as He makes a way where there seems to be no way, and provides peace, even in spaces that are full of chaos. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is our strength, love, and self-discipline, and He is greater than anything that stands before us that might cause fear.

We need not choose fear,

for God is stronger;

than all that we face,

His love lasts longer.

God’s love, our comfort,

the place we find peace;

His truth that triumphs,

where fear is released.

The more we seek Him,

the more that we learn;

self-discipline comes,

as to Him we turn.

All praise to the Lord,

our sweet space of peace;

where love overflows,

and grace is released.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that there is no fear in perfect love, and You alone, love perfectly. Thank You that You supply strength and self-discipline as we seek You, and Your love surrounds us and fills us to overflowing. Thank You that when our eyes are set on You, fear disappears. Forgive us for allowing fear a foothold, for You hold us in the hollow of Your hands. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, so that we run to You and seek You to lead and guide us in all things. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they too, may know and understand the power of Your perfect love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our trust in You as You grant us strength, love and power to overcome fear and walk in boldness and love. Amen.

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

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18

My Portion Forever

Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. – (Psalm 73:25-26, HCSB)

In heaven, God, I have only You. And if I am with You, what on earth could I want? Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength. He is mine forever! – (Psalm 73:25-26, ERV)

For all of my wanting, I don’t have anyone but You in heaven. There is nothing on earth that I desire other than You. I admit how broken I am in body and spirit, but God is my strength, and He will be mine forever. – (Psalm 73:25-26, VOICE)

In Psalm 73, the author began with his struggle as he speaks of witnessing the wicked prosper. However, he soon realized that such things are temporary and God and all that He has for us is eternal. His mind shift resulted in him recognizing that what he truly wanted was God, no matter what the circumstances in the here and now. This is the perspective that matters, for God is eternal while all else is fleeting. On challenging days it is a great reminder, for God is our portion and He is the one who supplies all that we need. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is our portion forever.

O God, my portion,

my true hiding place;

loving provision,

throughout all my days.

Though wicked prosper,

it’s just for a while;

the Lord’s forever,

He’s always worthwhile.

Through good things and bad,

His presence is near;

our hope, forever,

His promises clear.

A place He’s prepared,

forever awaits;

we’ll be welcomed home,

through the pearly gates.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are better than anything here on earth. You are our portion and provider, our Father and our friend. Thank You that all that is in the here and now is temporary, yet You and Your love are eternal. Forgive us for the times that we are distracted or drawn away by the things that are temporary. Lead our hearts firmly back to You. Teach us to trust You in all things and to set our hearts and minds on that which is forever. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they would come to know Your goodness, grace, and promise of forever. Be glorified O God, as we set our sights on You and all that is eternal. Amen.

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

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

Fear Not

For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. – (2 Timothy 1:7, HCSB)

The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power, love and self-control. – (2 Timothy 1:7, ERV)

You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit. – (2 Timothy 1:7, VOICE)

In this crazy, broken world, there are times that fear seems to creep in. We can either allow fear to cripple us from continuing forward in the direction we are called, or we can call on the Lord, who gives us His Spirit, which is one of power, love, and self-control. It does not mean that all will be easy and effortless, but rather that God will be with us through the ups and downs, trials and triumphs, and we need not fear as He is present with us. I know it is easy to say, “fear not,” yet to apply it when we face life’s giants is much more difficult. It requires ongoing seeking and trusting to overcome the fear that fights to creep in. Life experience is a great teacher, for as we look back at God’s faithfulness through the hard and horrible, we can see how He has brought us through. If He did it before, He will do it again. No matter what comes, His goodness remains. May we ever seek Him to take our hand and lead us in His strength through all that comes our way.

When fear finds its way,

to heart or to mind;

I must again trust,

that the Lord is kind.

He goes before me,

in everything;

and stays beside me,

as His help He brings.

My soul, choose fear not,

for His love is good;

it combats our fears,

power understood.

His love enters in,

each time that we call;

His grace and wisdom,

and love cover all.

In all things, always,

choose trust in His grace;

for God is faithful,

in all of His ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not fear with You in our lives, for You are greater than all that we face. Thank You that You give us Your Spirit that provides power, love, and sound judgement. Forgive us for the spaces where we allow fear a foothold. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. Lead us in Your love to extend strength, love, and goodness to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our fears in Your hands and trust You to supply all that we need in all things. Amen.

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

Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6