To See Goodness

Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! – (Psalm 34:8, HCSB)

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

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him. – (Psalm 34:8, MSG)

This weekend has been one that has filled me up, as there is something to be said about seeing smiling faces everywhere we go, and the joy found in running with friends, running errands, and getting together with friends that is life-giving. After nearly two years of not seeing the faces of people out in public, it was wonderful to see smiles and expressions when communicating with others. Additionally, we were able to get together with friends we had not seen in two years and share a meal together. I know for some it causes nervousness or anxiety, but for me, it feels like a place of peace, for the opportunity to gather, to communicate clearly and to see expression as people speak is a joy that I will never take for granted again. I am eagerly anticipating teaching and coaching today, as it will be the first time that I have ever seen more than eyes when communicating with many of my students and colleagues. It is a choice, so I know not everyone will be comfortable removing masks, yet to see even a few smiles returned will be amazing. No matter what people choose, God is good and His blessings abound as we depend on Him. May we seek the Lord and open our eyes, for He continually shows us His goodness as we turn our attention to Him.

Show us Your goodness,

O Lord, as we seek;

Let Your love be known,

May Your kindness speak.

For blessings await,

As we go to Him;

Surrounded by grace,

That cannot be dimmed.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

In goodness and grace;

May we give You thanks,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You and open our eyes to the world around us, we can see the abundant blessings that You have for us all. Forgive us for the times that we have been unaware or have neglected to recognize the blessings that You have bestowed upon us. Teach us to seek You and give You praise for all that You have done and continue to do. Lead us to love those around us well, and help us to provide peace through purposeful kindness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as seek You in all things and give You praise for the abundant blessings that are all around us. 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. – Psalm 106:1

He Answers

I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me. – (Psalm 120:1, NIV)

I was in trouble. I called to the Lord for help, and He answered me! – (Psalm 120:1, ERV)

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayers. – (Psalm 120:1, NLT)

 

After waking from a disturbing dream about school, there is comfort in the reminder to call on the Lord; He is faithful to help and answer our prayers. I know that God’s plans are far greater than my own, and He is faithful to lead me in the direction that I am meant to go. That being said, I am also in my current space for such a time as this. Though I know not why the year has unfolded into such a battle, there is good to see in each and every day. One of the ways that God has answered, has been through the opportunity that I was given to take on a new coaching role at the high school. No matter how my school day had gone, walking into the gym brought joy and hope, excitement and strength, as we worked together toward a common goal. Now, a week post-high school, I just enjoyed the first meet of our middle school season, yesterday afternoon. The very same blessings that were bestowed upon me as I walked into the high school gym, I find in the gym at the middle school where I teach and coach as well. One of my answers currently, is the joy in helping girls discover what they are capable of doing when they are determined to work hard and stick with it. I do have the same moments of blessing in the classroom, but they are often tainted by poor behavior choices that demand my attention, in order to keep the classroom safe. In the gym, that is not the case. As I wait and trust, I will continue to call on the Lord, knowing that He has answers that will lead me to a space of peace. May we ever seek the Lord and place our troubles in His hands, for He hears and answers our prayers.

 

Choose call on the Lord,

Photo courtesy of Pictured Memories❤

He’s faithful to hear;

When there is trouble,

His help’s ever near.

The Lord’s plans are good,

His heart is to bless;

To strengthen, lift up,

Remove our distress.

He leads us places,

Beyond what we’ve known;

To show us His strength,

As our faith is grown.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we call on You in our troubles and distress, You hear our prayers and answer us. Thank You that Your answers are far greater than what we could ask or imagine. Forgive us for losing perspective in the midst of our struggles, as You never leave us nor forsake us. Teach us to trust that You are always moving on our behalf, even when we are unaware. Show us how to love those around us who are struggling, so that they may be strengthened and encouraged in the wait for Your new. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things and thank You for the blessings that You bring, even in the midst of our trials. Amen.

 

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

 

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. – Psalm 145:18

Gratitude in All

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

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)

 

There is nothing quite so clear at reminding one of gratitude for the gifts they have been given, like an extended time away. For me, after such a long stretch away from my husband and children to care for my mom, I find myself appreciating and enjoying even the most mundane of tasks together. Yesterday, my Viking and I had several errands to run. It was a day off for him, and one of the days I have remaining before I have to be back in my classroom or on campus for back-to-school meetings and such. We were able to check off each of the items on our list, and ended with taking one of our vehicles to get an oil change. Though it was quite a wait, we were in it together, and it was far preferred over him having to do the work himself on his day off. Our day ended with dinner as a family together at home. I am beyond grateful for the blessings bestowed upon me both here in my home and through the ongoing care my mom is receiving with my sister. God is good, and to Him be all glory and praise.

Yesterday, I didn’t actually have the opportunity to speak with mom. I know that the day was going to be full, as she was going to have Terry (in-home care provider) with her during the day, and then a gal whom my sister and family have known for quite some time was going to spend the afternoon and evening with mom, as Meg and family were heading to their company picnic, and mom determined that she would prefer not attend.  I will be eager to catch up with her this morning to hear how it all went, and tomorrow is an especially significant day, as it will be mom’s 70th birthday. 😊

May we each do everything unto the Lord, giving Him thanks for all that He has done.

 

In everything,

A bit of silliness at the oil change stop. ❤

May we choose give praise;

With a grateful heart,

Give thanks all our days.

For God in His grace,

Has given so much;

Strength in our weakness,

His powerful touch.

Lord, help us choose well,

In word, thought and deed;

May we love like You,

Help meet other’s needs.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for goodness and grace. Thank You for the love and blessings that You continue to bestow upon us with Your presence. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to honor You with our words, thoughts or deeds. Teach us to fix our minds and hearts on You, so that all that we do brings glory to You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates Your love in tangible and practical ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we honor and praise You with all that we say and do. 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

The God of All Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the God of all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For He is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

 

It is incredible how God does exactly this as we are willing to allow Him room. There have been countless times in my life where I have witnessed this to be true. The first thing that came to mind this morning, was the reminder of how God not only walked alongside me as He equipped me to travel beside one of my dearest friends as she battled long and hard against the cancer that ultimately took her life. He gave me strength to do difficult things, and comforted me as the disease progressed. Not long after she passed, He used my experience to offer comfort and encouragement to others who were facing similar loss. Each trial or struggle that I have submitted to our Savior and allowed Him room to move, has brought me to a place where I soon after am able to extend comfort to another in need for similar circumstances. Though I would not ever hope for the suffering, I am witness to the power of His promised comfort when such times arrive. May we ever seek the Lord to be our source of comfort, and allow Him room to use us to offer the same to those around us.

 

Abundant comfort,

Is granted to us;

When we seek the Lord,

All hope He adjusts.

His strong arms uphold,

As grace is given;

To keep pressing on,

Choose not to give in.

For the very strength,

The comfort passed on;

For more than just us,

It reaches beyond.

Keep holding to hope,

As God of all grace;

Will never let go,

For all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to bring comfort in our suffering. Thank You that You take those experiences where we felt our weakest, and transform them into spaces of strength to help others. Forgive us for our wavering faith in difficulties. Teach us to trust You more, as You never leave us nor forsake us, and You love us back to life, once again. Show us how to love the hurting around us, so that we may extend the same comfort to others that You have abundantly bestowed upon us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your comfort and grace that fills us so that we may do the same for others. Amen.

 

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

 

May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. – Psalm 119:76

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

 

 

Blessed

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. – (Proverbs 31:28, NIV)

Her children bless her; her husband praises her. – (Proverbs 31:28, CEB)

Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise. – (Proverbs 31:28, MSG)

 

Though I cannot even begin to measure up to the Proverbs 31 woman, I am beyond blessed by both my children and my husband. God has granted me the greatest gift I’ve ever known through the lives of my boys, and a love I never knew was possible through the loving union of marriage to my husband, partner and friend. I am blessed and praised by these guys, even when I am least deserving, and each one of them is fiercely protective and willing to help whenever I ask. Perhaps it is a recognition of the blessings that He has bestowed upon us, far more than a living up to a certain standard or expectation. Because I am loved well, I desperately desire and am driven to do the same. I imagine that is God’s intention for all of us. As we realize the depth and breadth of His love for us, we are inspired to go and love likewise. May we seek our Savior who loves us more than we can comprehend, so that we too, can go and love those around us without reservation.

 

Such wonder indeed,

Photos by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography<3

Is love we receive;

The blessings bestowed,

When we are in need.

The gift of children,

The love of a spouse;

Love made tangible,

Within my own house.

Let’s freely receive,

God’s love and His grace;

So we too can love,

In His tender ways.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of the loved ones whom You bring into our lives – be it children, spouses, family or friends. Thank You that You make Your pleasure known through the words of others in a way that inspires us to ever pursue You and Your ways. Forgive us for taking Your love or that of those whom You have blessed us with for granted. Teach us to appreciate and value the goodness and grace that You generously give in tangible ways. Show us how to lavishly love those whom You place in our path, so that they too, may come to know the greatness of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the love and the grace, and the tender embrace, that You wrap around us through the people whom You have given. Amen.

 

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

 

Surely You have granted him/(her) unending blessings and made him/(her) glad with the joy of Your presence. – Psalm 21:6

See How Good

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

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

Taste and see how good the Lord is! The one who takes refuge in Him is truly happy! – (Psalm 34:8, CEB)

 

When I look back and reflect on all that has transpired over the past few years, I am in awe of the goodness of God. Though I have walked through some seasons of trial and heartache, He has been my refuge and my strength. All the while, the Lord provided and protected, and has now brought me into a space of unbelievable blessing. Even on the most difficult days, I have been fully aware of His goodness and grace. Today, I know happiness that my heart had only hoped for, and am ever aware of just how good God truly is. This evening, my Viking and I leave on our honeymoon for eight glorious days. Together, we will experience new things in a destination that neither of us have been. Each step of the way, leading to today, we have stood in awe at just how good the Lord has been to us. May we always run to our Redeemer, who is our refuge, and depend on Him in all things and at all times; for He is good and His love endures forever.

 

The Lord God is good, 

He’s faithful and true;

He answers our call,

To make all things new.

God is our refuge,

Our safe place to stay;

Our bringer of hope,

Who shows us the way.

Great are His blessings,

So full is His joy;

For those who trust Him,

His grace is employed.

All thanks be to God,

For all He has done;

For love and fresh starts,

As each day’s begun.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our refuge and the source of all blessings bestowed upon us. Thank You that You are faithful forever to be present with us in all things and at all times. Thank You that You are so good. Forgive us for our moments of doubt when trials feel that they might overwhelm us. Teach us to run to You, our refuge, in seasons of struggle and those filled with joy. Show us how to love those around us in a way that demonstrates the same sense of security and abundant blessing that You grant to us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we taste and see how wonderful You are. Amen.

 

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

 

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

Blessed Are Those Who Trust

Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You. – (Psalm 84:12, NIV)

Lord of heavenly forces, those who trust in You are truly happy! – (Psalm 84:12, CEB)

O Eternal One, Commander of heaven’s armies, how fortunate are those who trust in You. – (Psalm 84:12, VOICE)

 

One week from today, I will be waking to wed the one whom my heart loves. This morning, I am in awe of the blessings bestowed upon me as I am overwhelmed with gratitude for another year of life and all that God has done. Like with anyone, there have been trials and triumphs. The more I learn to trust, the clearer the Lord’s nearness becomes through it all. Grace and strength and peace have been given anew each day, and He has shown me the depth of His love, as I am loved well by those whom He has placed in my life. This great love propels me to trust all the more, as He is faithful each time I turn to Him in faith. May we ever trust in the Lord above, as He blesses those who place their trust in Him.

 

Heavenly Father, 

Above all the earth;

The more that we trust,

We learn of our worth.

Valued by You, Lord,

Commander of all;

You love us to life,

Catch us when we fall.

For grace and nearness,

The blessings You give;

Help us keep trusting,

Each day that we live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts of life, light, goodness and grace that You give to those who trust in You. Thank You for the overwhelming blessings that You pour out upon us. Thank You that You are always near. Forgive us for not always trusting or placing our all before You. Continue to show us how trustworthy You truly are. Show us how to share Your love with all the ones that You have brought into our lives to extend Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You for all of our days and recognize the abundant blessings that You pour out upon us. Amen.

 

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

 

In You, Lord God, I put my trust. – Psalm 25:1

 

Called to Press On

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 3:14, NIV)

The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 3:14, CEB)

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. – (Philippians 3:14, NLT)

 

Any time I near the end of something that has taken time and perseverance, I am reminded of the ultimate end goal in mind. In education, the reward for finishing each academic year is a glorious break that grants opportunity to rest, recover and become refreshed, before workshops, training, classes, meetings and classroom set-up begin again for the following year. This gift of time grants freedom to connect with family and friends, and to catch up on the things that there is no time to do during the school year. As today will mark the beginning of “lasts” (the last Thursday, we end next Wednesday), I am reminded anew to press on to what I have been called to do, for the prize is worth the price. Just as our perseverance through a school year leads to the glorious break during July, so too does a life in pursuit of God and following His ways, leads to a life in heaven for all eternity. In as much as summer is so near that I can hear it calling my name, I am blown away when I consider what heaven will be like, as it says, “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him!” (Isaiah 64:4) and “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) I have an excellent imagination and have had the privilege of taking in some of the most breathtaking view the planet has to offer, and yet it says that those don’t even compare to what awaits… May we ever press on toward the finish according to the call that has been placed upon our lives, for the prize is well worth the work.

 

We’re called to press on, 

To rise, finish strong;

To run well our race,

No matter how long.

For all who finish,

There shall be a prize;

Sweet glory bestowed,

As hope’s realized.

So, keep running hard,

To the finish line;

The prize is waiting,

Refreshing new life.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we press on to finish that to which we are called, there is a wonderful reward that awaits. Forgive us for allowing our weariness and frustration to get in the way of us doing the work we are called to do. Teach us to turn to You in trust, as You are our strength and refuge, no matter what obstacle comes our way. Show us how to love those around us so that we may support and encourage others as they are pressing in to finish the race to which they are called to run. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, each time we press on and run our race according to Your race plan. Amen.

 

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

 

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11

Take Delight

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. – (Psalm 37:4, NIV)

Enjoy serving the Lord, and He will give you whatever you ask for. – (Psalm 37:4, ERV)

Enjoy the Lord, and He will give what your heart asks. – (Psalm 37:4, CEB)

Take great joy in the Eternal! His gifts are coming, and they are all your heart desires! – (Psalm 37:4, VOICE)

 

God is so good. As we seek and serve Him, our desires are shaped by who we are becoming in Him, and He shows us in ways beyond what we could hope or imagine, how He will give us the very things that we are hoping for in His Name. As my fiancé and I are preparing for our wedding in July, we have begun the process of searching for a home that will accommodate he and his son and me and my two boys. It is a challenging task to find a space that meets the needs of three teenage boys, two adults, several vehicles, and the need for space to spread out, as the personalities of each need room of our own. Additionally, we would love a space that has room to welcome others into our home to share a meal, come and visit from out-of-state (as we both have extended family far away), and space to decompress from the hurried pace that is required in both of our jobs. Yesterday, we were shown our dream home. It fulfilled everything on our wish list and more. The price was higher than we had hoped, and we did not think it would be feasible until we went back, sat down, and really analyzed numbers on paper. We both were in awe as we ran the numbers and discovered that as two heads of household merged into one, we would indeed be able to afford the home we desired most without overextending ourselves. God continues to remind me that as I delight in Him, He will bless me with the desires that He has placed in my heart. The hopes and dreams that my heart holds are not simply random thoughts that came out of nowhere, but rather they are things birthed and nurtured within my design, intentionally. May we ever delight in the Lord and seek to serve Him, as He is the One who gives us what our hearts desire most.

Delight in the Lord,

For He is the One;

Who knows our heart’s cry,

As each day is done.

The more that we seek,

The Lord and His will;

Our hopes shall align,

And dreams be fulfilled.

For when He’s our joy,

Desires come from Him;

Blessings are bestowed,

Both outside and in.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we delight in You, You give us the desires of our hearts. Thank You that You love to bless Your children. Thank You for the incredible ways that You move beyond what we could hope or imagine, and that the hopes and dreams that dwell within us come from You. Forgive us for our doubts or for thinking that anything is impossible for You. Teach us to trust You more, and to place our hopes, dreams and desires in Your hands. Show us how to love those around us in a way that grants hope and courage and joy in the wait between the dream and the fulfillment. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we delight in You and give all glory to You as You bless us with the very things our hearts are longing for. Amen.

 

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

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13