Saved and Supplied to Bless

“So will I save you, and you will be a blessing.  Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.” – Zechariah 8:13b

photo by Aysha Schurman

Though this verse is part of a passage that speaks of promised blessings to Jerusalem, it leapt off the page and reminded me that He who calls us, will keep us and use us to be a blessing, when we are willing.  We do not need to fear, and He will be our strength.

Today, this is my hope and my prayer as I go forth in obedience to the new and totally terrifying.  On Thursday afternoon, I received a call from my pastor, asking if I would be willing to be one of three, whom he would interview as a part of today’s sermon about “Sharing Our Stories”.  As my heart sank to my stomach and settled there, I told him that I was terrified, but willing.  Normally, my immediate response would have been an emphatic “NO!”  However, He has been whispering to my heart that a time is coming that He will be asking me to use my voice, and not just my pen…

So, after time with trusted friends yesterday, and the covering of all who care to pray, I am up and ready to trust Him to use my story to bless those who need to hear.  I am nervous, but I know He is bigger than my crippling fears, and that He will be with me, holding my hand and heart in His, supplying the words He has for me to speak.  I am so glad that He is not finished with me yet…

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You save us from ourselves, and that You use us, despite our brokenness, to bless others and draw Your

photo by Bryn Blankinship

created unto Yourself.  Father, please keep fear far from us, and supply our hearts and hands with Your strength.  May our stories speak volumes of Your goodness and grace, and may we be used to turn hearts toward You.  Amen.

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

The First Day of School – from the heart of a teacher

The day it has come,

photo by AccessLocal.TV

it has finally arrived.

Wake up you sleeper,

open your eyes.

Get up and get moving,

the day, it is here.

Pack up your bags,

quiet your fear.

For today is the day,

the first of the year.

School is starting,

get ready, my dear.

Friends will be waiting,

old ones and new –

eager to visit,

and see wonderful you.

Classrooms are clean,

books dusted too,

teachers are ready,

for students, all new.

Shiny new clothes,

freshly cut hair,

supplies are a plenty,

all are prepared.

Come one, come all,

just as you are,

from right down the street,

or journey afar.

For newbies and seniors

and all in between,

get yourself ready,

it’s time to be seen.

There is only one you,

who can learn and can grow,

so soak up the knowledge,

learn what you don’t know.

Bring us your best self,

that is what you can do,

to make this the best year,

of learning for you.

No matter how much,

be things new or things old,

you’ve always a smile,

to share and behold.

For the lessons are just lessons,

if you don’t bring your heart,

so shine on sweet child,

make this a great start!

                                                                                                                                                                           Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of public education for all!  Please go before every student and staff member and prepare places and hearts for all to connect on common ground so that no only learning happens, but hearts feel heard and known.  Equip all educators for the monumental task of teaching our young, and protect all people – young and old, as they pass through these halls.  Please keep each student and staff member safe, and provide places for learning that lasts a lifetime.  Let each light shine bright, so that Your heart may be heard through the kindness and care provided by Your people, today and always.  Amen.

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

Keep the Captain in Command

pnoto VWVortex.com

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – I John 1:8-9

We all sin.  We all need His forgiveness to be found upright before Him.  If we think that we are without sin, we are lying to ourselves, and will become blind to the blessings that God has for us.  We must admit our erroneous ways and ask again to be made clean by the covering of Christ.  When we ask, He answers.  He is faithful and forgives – undoing our unrighteousness before the Father.

It is easy to get so caught up in the chaos of life, that we become callous and a bit deaf to the prompting of our ever-present Counselor.  If we don’t slow down and take time to listen, how can we hope to hear Him?

I have found that each day I begin in His word and practice being present before Him, the more easily and quickly I hear His correction, direction, and admonition.  It is much easier to “stay the course”, when I allow the Captain to keep command.  When I take the wheel, I begin to be blown off course, until I again slow down, step aside, and allow Daddy God to drive.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to forgive us as we ask, and are quick to call us clean by the covering of the blood of Your Son.  Help us to hear Your counsel as You lead us and guide us in the way we are meant to go, and to not take lightly the cost for our covering.  Teach us to be truthful before You, that we might be quick to confess all that muddies our cleanliness.  May we keep close account before You, and be sensitive to Your Spirit as You speak to us about our spaces of sin.  In You, may our love for You and from You be extended to everyone we encounter.  Amen.

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