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

The Prize of Perseverance

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – (James 1:12, NIV)

Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love Him. – (James 1:12, ERV)

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. – (James 1:12, MSG)

When we go through life’s challenges and cling to Christ, trusting Him, we receive the promise of eternal life, for it is the gift given to all who love and rely on Him. The space of trials seems to be the “make-it-or-break-it” season for people in their relationship with God. They either turn to Him in trust, no matter what they see, or they turn from God, angry and bitter that He allowed the trial into their lives. Sadly, the word promises us that there will be troubles, yet in Christ, we have the One who has overcome all. In Him, we have the blessed assurance that no matter the outcome, our ultimate outcome is eternity in paradise with Him. All trials eventually lead to something better, be it here on earth or when we reach the pearly gates. For me, I have seen and experienced His goodness and faithfulness over and over again. His presence has been my peace in times where peace seems impossible, and His strength has carried me when I could walk no further. The Lord’s provision is powerful and makes a way where there seems to be no way. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, help, hope, and peace no matter what comes our way, for the outcome of trust is far better than the difficulty of the challenges that we face.

The Lord is faithful,

no matter what comes;

when we cling to Him,

where our help comes from.

For He is our hope,

the One that is true;

in all that we face,

He will see us through.

More than here and now,

this hope’s forever;

His presence always,

holds us together.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good through every season, trial and triumph that we traverse in this life. Thank You that as we seek You, You never leave or forsake us. Your promises are faithful forever. Forgive us for the times that we wonder where You are or why You allow the challenges to come our way. Teach us to trust You far beyond what we can see or understand, for Your ways are higher and the ultimate outcome is so much more than what we could ever hope or imagine. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize Your faithfulness and the strength that You provide to persevere. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things and at all times, for we know the prize of perseverance is far greater than anything we have yet known. Amen.

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

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

The River to Our Roots

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. They know that the Lord will do what He says. They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. They have nothing to fear when the days get hot. Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain. They always produce fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ERV)

But blessed is the man who trust Me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf. Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, MSG)

No matter our place in life, there is always opportunity to learn to trust God more. Two days ago, my mom had to undergo a surgical procedure that was pretty scary. Though she was afraid, she was extraordinarily brave, as her roots run deep and she continues to bear good fruit, even when life’s circumstances are quite rotten. For me, I felt like God prepared me, and though I was concerned, I did not feel afraid. Somehow, I knew that she would be okay and that all would be well. The day was crazy long, as the procedure was delayed by three hours, and then took about an hour longer than anticipated. What we thought would be a late afternoon exit, turned into a late evening release, followed by an hour and a half drive back to take mom home before I was going to turn around and drive five plus hours home. My sister was driving and I could barely keep my eyes open. She, my mom, and my husband all convinced me to stay the night there before returning home in the morning. I am so glad that I did, as the sleep was like water to my thirsty soul, and I was refreshed and ready to drive home the next morning. My drive was easy and it was so good to have time at home before going to coach in the afternoon. Though a little off late morning when I checked on her, my sister let me know that mom was back to feeling normal again by evening. I imagine much of it was sleep deprivation, as mom had not slept much the night prior, and then struggled to sleep the night that followed. My favorite part of the whole ordeal was when mom was in recovery. My sister and I went on a mini-adventure to find food for mom (as she had not been allowed to eat prior to the procedure and was super hungry). The tram took us down by the river in Portland, and one of mom’s favorites, The Spaghetti Factory, was walking distance. We were able to get a great dinner to take back, and mom was thrilled to have something good after waiting so long to eat. Her sense of humor was wonderful, and the three of us spent much time giggling as we waited for her release to come. At the end of the day, there was only gratitude that all was complete and that mom is doing well. May we ever seek the Lord to be the river to our roots so that we produce good fruit in every season.

As we trust in God,

My sister and me on the river walk in Portland.

our roots grow down deep;

they stretch to water,

that supplies our need.

No matter the day,

or the circumstance;

roots planted in Him,

are strengthened, enhanced.

Each time that we seek,

we find faithfulness;

water for our soul,

help and graciousness.

The more we trust Him,

the more that we find;

that fruit is produced,

when He’s on our mind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the water that nourishes our soul and meets our needs in every season. Thank You that You love us and keep us nourished in Your love and grace as we seek You. Thank You for protecting mom through this most recent endeavor. Forgive us for our fearfulness when storms come our way. Teach us to lean into You, for You grow our roots deep so that we are nourished in every season. Lead us to love those around us in ways that produce good fruit. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to deepen our roots so that we ever produce fruit that reflects Your love and care for all. Amen.

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

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. – Psalm 42:1

Praise Him

Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your Name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. – (Isaiah 25:1, NIV)

Lord, You are my God. I honor and praise Your Name, because You did amazing things The words You said long ago are completely true; everything happened exactly as You said it would. – (Isaiah 25:1, ERV)

Eternal One, You are my God. I will lift You up and praise Your name, because You have made wonderful, marvelous and beautiful – the most ancient designs holding strong and sure. – (Isaiah 25:1, VOICE)

For me, it is easy to fall into the habit of simply asking God for help with things, rather than remembering to praise Him for who He is and all that He does. One way that I can keep praise at the forefront of my mind is through the music that I choose listen to as I come and go. Keeping my radio set on a Christian music station helps my heart remain in a state of praise and recognition of who God is and how He loves us. I cannot help but sing along as I drive, and the process sets my heart in a space that recognizes the goodness and faithfulness of God. I still ask for His help, but I also thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness. May we ever recognize who God is and give Him praise, for He is faithful and has blessed us with His goodness and beauty all around us.

O God, I praise You,

for all that You are;

You’re faithful and just,

present near and far.

Your word is a lamp,

that will light the way;

to live and love well,

throughout all our days.

Your goodness abounds,

wherever we go;

Your love surrounds us,

and Your grace made known.

Ever we praise You,

all thanks to the King;

blessed Redeemer,

God of everything.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and full of grace. Thank You that You made the way for us to be in relationship with You. Thank You that we can seek You and find You anytime and anywhere. Thank You that Your word is truth and Your love beyond what our human hearts can hold. Forgive us for not giving You enough praise and thanks, for even if we did so all day long, it would never be enough for all that You have done. Teach us to praise You in all that we do so that our lives give glory to You. Show us how to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and for all that You have done and continue to do. Amen.

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

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105

Love and Pray for All

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. – (Matthew 5:44, NIV)

But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. – (Matthew 5:44, ERV)

But I tell you this: love your enemies. Pray for those who torment you and persecute you. – (Matthew 5:44, VOICE)

For me, I don’t really consider anyone my enemy. However, that being said, there are those who frustrate me and challenge my resolve to be kind. As a teacher, there are kids who are in a space where they do not know how to filter their words and actions, and disrupt others with their behaviors as they seek attention. Daily, I am challenged by a cluster of such kids, who happen to be in a particular class all together. Every morning, I pray for strength and patience and resolve. By the end of most afternoons, my reflection on how that class went only brings frustration. Thankfully, each day is new and provides a fresh start. That being said, as I prepare both my lessons and classroom for the day, I typically discover even more reasons for frustration from the day prior. This is a space where I know not a solution, yet continue to have to persevere and deal with it. Thankfully, God goes before me, remains with me, and surrounds me with His goodness and love. Each day, I am blessed with the opportunity to do what I love before I head home to my family. Coaching is a space where joy abounds, and my heart is filled anew with reminders that He has a plan and a purpose for me. God is good, and He continually reminds me to pray for those who frustrate and challenge me. He is faithful, and occasionally gives me glimpses of the goodness in one of the dysregulated cherubs. In all things and at all times, may we seek the Lord to lead us to pray for those who frustrate us, and grant us His love to pour out upon them all.

O Lord, help us pray,

for everyone;

both sweet and salty,

so Your will is done.

For as we choose pray,

You flood us with love;

to share with others,

all grace from above.

You grant us Your strength,

to keep pressing on;

as we walk by faith,

’til each day is done.

Father, please fill us,

with love and with grace;

so challenging ones,

will feel Your embrace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only call us to love and pray for our enemies, but You showed us through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son. Thank You, Jesus, for showing us what it is to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. We know not the intensity of pain and persecution You endured, but we can learn and grow from the examples that You set before us. Forgive us for our frustration and anger that rise up when others do things to disrupt our routine. Teach us to walk in grace and love and to pray continually for those who struggle to be kind. Lead us to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for strength and reminders to love as You love, and to pray for those who are horrible to us or frustrate us each time they come to mind. Amen.

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

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

Press On With Purpose

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. – (Philippians 3:12, NIV)

I don’t mean that I am exactly what God want me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason He made me His. – (Philippians 3:12, ERV)

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have made it. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. – (Philippians 3:12, MSG)

When we come into a relationship with Christ, we are compelled to draw near to God and to seek Him to transform us to more clearly reflect His heart to the world. Because Jesus loves me so well, my hope is that I can love those around me in the same way. That being said, I am far from doing this completely and consistently like Him. My frustrations often get the better of me, and my thoughts toward those who are rude, mean, or disrespectful, are far from loving. Thankfully, each day is new and we are provided the opportunity to seek the Lord and allow Him to lead us throughout all of our encounters. As a middle school teacher, I am provided plenty of practice at choosing to love and see others through His lens. Some days, I can feel the progress that He is making in me, yet other days, I want to walk away from peopling, for my patience with poor choices diminishes. We are all a work in progress and I am so thankful that He loved me first and shows me again and again how great His love truly is. May we ever seek the Lord to show us and grow us in His loving kindness and grace, and allow Him to transform us from the inside out.

O Lord, You’ve shown us,

Your kindness and grace;

despite our failures,

You welcome, embrace.

Your love overflows,

as we choose to seek;

Your goodness made clear,

each day of the week.

Our purpose is plain,

You show us the way;

to love as You love,

throughout each new day.

Ever we fall short,

yet we can press on;

Your love won’t run out,

and grace makes us strong.

Strong to keep trying,

pursuing Your best;

loving as You love,

in You we are blessed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and call us to do the same. Thank You that we are a work in progress and that each day is made new. Thank You that You do not give up on us when we fall short. Forgive us for each time that we do not love as You intended. Teach us to seek You and pursue Your very best. Lead us in Your love so that we might love others as You love us. Show us how to press on with purpose, for Your purposes for us are to love well in all that we say and do. Help us to love those around us in ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue You and Your purposes for us in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. – Psalm 27:4

Forget Not

My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise His Holy Name! My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind He is! – (Psalm 103:1, ERV)

O my soul, come, praise the Eternal with all that is in me – body, emotions, mind, and will – every part of who I am – praise His Holy Name. – (Psalm 103:1, VOICE)

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy Name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits. – (Psalm 103:1, NIV)

The more we understand who God is, the more we find ourselves compelled to praise Him with all that we are. We are reminded to “forget not all His benefits“, for when we focus on who God is and all that He has done, we cannot help but give Him thanks and praise. Just yesterday, I can cite numerous ways that God provided, strengthened, upheld, and encouraged me with His goodness and grace. He was with me as I woke and prepared for the day, went before me as I made my way to work, stayed beside me throughout the day, and blessed me with sweet rest as the day came to a close. Even when things are challenging or do not go according to plan, He is present to help and uphold us. May we seek the Lord and spend time with Him, for He is for us and His kindness knows no end.

Praise the Lord, my soul,

for God’s always good;

ever He’s present,

makes love understood.

Loyal forever,

His great faithfulness;

with strength, help and hope,

in joy and distress.

In all things, always,

the Lord is so near;

present beside us,

strength to persevere.

Father, we praise You,

Your love is made clear;

in all things, always,

Forever You’re near.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, and that Your faithfulness knows no end. Thank You that You show us again and again that You are good and that You love us beyond what we can comprehend. Forgive us for the times that we forget how good You are. Teach us to see Your hand in all things, for You are present to help us always. 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 forget not all that You have done for us and give You praise throughout all of our days for who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. – Psalm 95:1

Spur One Another On

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, NIV)

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV)

Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, VOICE)

In my world, this is always the aim – both in the classroom and in the gym, for we grow best when we feel valued and loved. Yesterday was day one of high school gymnastics season. It is always exciting and nerve-wracking, for I never know for certain how many gymnasts to expect, nor what the dynamics we be like. It is my aim to create a space of encouragement and positivity, where girls are excited to learn new things and cheer one another on as they go. My returners who were able to be present, were kind, encouraging and helpful. Much consideration and preparation go into a season, and I am feeling blessed to have such a great coaching team and group of athletes ready to work hard. Such encouragement and kindness carry over into all aspects of our lives when we make it a daily practice. I have had both coaches and teachers in my own experience that did exactly this. Their example inspires me to continually learn and grow so that I too, might encourage others to do and be their best. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in all that we do, so that we may inspire and encourage those around us to love and do good things.

May we consider,

how to choose love well;

encourage, uplift,

may love our lives tell.

Lord, help us to live,

in ways that inspire;

bring out other’s best,

kindle a great fire.

In all that we do,

wherever we go;

may love and goodness,

be how we are known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and do good. Thank You that You have shown us again and again, what love looks like in word, thought and deed. Forgive us for the times that we have not lived out love. Teach us to lean into You in all that we say and do so that Your goodness and love are made tangible to those around us. Show us how to love and encourage those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love that builds others up and encourages the best in everyone. Amen.

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

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

God is… (Day 18 – A Promise Keeper)

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her! – (Luke 1:45, NIV)

Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen. – (Luke 1:45, ERV)

And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord. – (Luke 1:45, ASV)

God is faithful to His promises and true to His word. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV) We are not promised a life that is easy or trouble-free, but we are promised God’s powerful presence in all things and at all times. He is faithful and true to His word. In the deepest valleys and on the highest peaks, He is there. In love, in loss, in challenge, in triumph, in heartache, in joy, in all things, He makes His presence known as He helps us and upholds us. Each morning, as I rise and spend time in His word, I am joined by two sweet fur babies that flank my sides. Their ongoing loyalty and love, and desire to be near me, is a tangible reminder that God desires my presence too. He wants me to listen to His voice, rest in His nearness, and trust Him in all things. Because He keeps His promises, I know that I can trust Him in all things and at all times. The process is an ongoing act of faith, and there is always more to learn. I am flawed and fall short, yet God continues to correct and redirect, lead and love me throughout each day. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is a Promise Keeper.

The Lord is so good,

throughout all our days;

He keeps His promise,

He does what He says.

God’s true to His words,

our hope is assured;

in Him we find life,

and future secured.

So, trust in the Lord,

allow Him to lead;

the Promise Keeper,

He meets all our needs.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and faithful to be near us. Thank You that You fulfill every promise that You make, and You uphold us throughout all of our days. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when trials come. Teach us to trust and cling to You and Your promises, for Your word is true. Lead us to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to keep Your promises and be true to Your Word. Amen.

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

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. – Psalm 36:5