Received To Be Shared

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 trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

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, ERV)

All praise goes to God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. He is the Father of compassion, the God of all comfort. He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it in their own struggles. – (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, VOICE)

God know us far better than we know ourselves and He sees each need we have. In the midst of our struggles and challenges, He provides exactly what we need to find comfort and strength. Not only that, but so often, once we have walked through something, we find ourselves walking alongside someone else who is facing what we have just been through. Our experience supplies understanding and the comfort we received is multiplied so that we can supply the same. In my own experience, this is one of the ways that God trades beauty for our ashes and hope from our spaces of despair. His goodness, love, and light flood our hearts and we have more than enough to give from the overflow. So often, the most difficult seasons we walk through become the experiences from which we are best able to bless and encourage those facing similar things. In all things, God is always good. May we ever press into the Lord in both our seasons of struggle and of blessing, for He is able to bring us comfort and use us to comfort those around us.

All praise be to God,

Our Comfort and King;

Who stays beside us,

Through everything.

In times of struggle,

His comfort abounds;

His love, abundant,

In Him, hope is found.

When all things are good,

He brings us beside;

Those who need comfort,

His love is supplied.

Because we have been,

In similar space;

We know how to share,

His goodness and grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only provide the comfort we need when we need it most, but You call us to partner with You to extend the same to those around us. Thank You that though You do not cause the struggles and heartaches we go through, You do bring  beauty and hope out of them. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears in the middle of our trials. Teach us to ever trust in You, for You are faithful to supply more than enough of all that we need. Show us how to comfort those around us in the same ways that You have comforted us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the ways that You bring beauty and hope where there had been none. Amen.

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

…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair… – Isaiah 61:3b

Real Love

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – (1 John 3:18, NIV)

My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No. our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. – (1 John 3:18, ERV)

My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. – (1 John 3:18, VOICE)

Real love is not mere talk, but rather it is demonstrated again and again through the way we treat others and the things that we do. God’s love is an ongoing pattern, an actual way of life, not a theory or idea. Love chooses kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Yesterday afternoon, my high school gymnasts and the coaching crew, all attended a collegiate gymnastics meet together. Among us, were some excellent examples of love in action. First, there was a father of one of my gymnasts who decided to drive his daughter and a few of her teammates who needed rides to the meet. Willingly, he gave of his time, energy, and resources to help provide a wonderful experience for these young ladies. Second, the boyfriend of one of my senior gymnasts came along to be supportive. For him, he gave of his time and utilized his hard-earned resources, so that he could be beside her as they watched some incredible gymnastics. Another example among us was the cousin of one of my gymnasts. Her sweet cousin came along to provide comfort and companionship, as walking into the unknown can be challenging for some. Finally, my Viking joined us as well. He was a driver for me and another coach, and a presence among us as we walked from the parking lot to the venue, and remained seated beside me as I watched in awe and wonder at the incredible display of athleticism and grace, and gained a deeper understanding of the sport I have joyfully coached for all these years. Love walks beside, supports, encourages, and remains present. This is not something that merely happens by accident, but rather to love is an ongoing decision. May we ever seek the Lord to make love our way of life so that in all that we do, love is the evident motivator.

Lord, help us to love,

In all that we do;

Let Your fruit be found,

As we love in truth.

May ev’ry action,

Demonstrate Your grace;

Faithful in all things,

Lead us in Your ways.

Father, please show us,

Your heart in all things;

So Your love is shown,

Through goodness we bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love is not merely words or an idea, but rather it is found in everything You say and do. Forgive us for the times that our lives have not reflected Your love to those around us. Teach us how to walk in Your ways and demonstrate the truth of Your incredible love through all that we do. Show us how to love each person we encounter best, for You know each heart and each need. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the examples of Your love that are all around us, and ask You to lead us to do the same for others as we seek You to infuse love in all things, always. Amen.

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

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10

Unfailing Love

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. – (Psalm 33:22, NIV)

Lord, we worship you, so show your great love for us. – (Psalm 33:22, ERV)

O Eternal, drench us with Your endless love, even now as we wait for You. – (Psalm 33:22, VOICE)

This weekend has been an opportunity to feel this well. My hope and my praise are in God, as He has blessed me with tangible evidence of His endless and unfailing love. Nearly fifty years of friendship and family, our sister retreat has been an incredible blessing of laughter and love. To know and be known is one of the ways that God gives us glimpses of Him through those around us. Connection in the comfort of a slowed pace with no agenda have provided a retreat and refreshment that each of us needed most. Sharing meals together with easy-flowing conversation, with comfort in silence and in chatter, my heart is full as we prepare to part ways a little later this morning. God’s goodness and love have been tangibly evident, from the sweet little space that we have stayed in, nestled neatly in the woods with the sounds of a creek flowing nearby, the rain rhythmically falling on the roof, and through the opportunity to gather and share life together with lifelong loved ones. May we ever worship the Lord, who is our hope, for all blessings flow from His heart of love.

O Lord, unto You,

May our praises flow;

As You are with us,

Wherever we go.

Your presence made known,

Through tangible love;

Each blessing poured out,

From You, up above.

Ever we thank You,

For love that You give;

Hope through each heartache,

Joy and strength we live.

For times to gather,

And truly feel known;

The blessings outpoured,

As Your love is shown.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good. Thank You that as we hope in You, You show us Your overwhelming and unending love. Thank You for the blessing of loved ones near and far, as You place people in our lives with purpose. Thank You for the gift of family and lifelong friendships, for each are evidence of Your goodness and love. Forgive us for neglecting the relationships that You have established. Help us to prioritize time with You and time together. Show us how to love one another well, in the same way that You love us all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as Your heart is made evident through goodness, hope and love. Amen.

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

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

Praise the Name of Jesus

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. – (Ephesians 1:3, NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. – (Ephesians 1:3, ERV)

Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, who grants us every spiritual blessing in these heavenly realms where we live in the Anointed – not because of anything we have done, but because of what He has done for us. – (Ephesians 1:3, VOICE)

The blessings from God are far too numerous to count. He has given us faith, salvation, family, friends, home, health, life, love, peace and so much more. Jesus meets us where we are and supplies us with what we need. Grace surrounds us, goodness is poured out upon us, and peace is present through the abundance of His perfect love. For these reasons and so many more, it is right to give Him our thanks and praise. May our lives be a constant offering of worship to He alone who is worthy.

All praise to the One,

Our God and our King;

Savior, Provider,

Lord of ev’rything.

His blessings poured out,

Our reason to sing;

In love, let’s worship,

Full of thanksgiving.

For health and for hope,

For goodness and grace;

Peace, love and comfort,

Strength throughout our days.

Because You pursue,

Us with Your great love;

Forever we’ll praise,

Jesus, Lord above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have poured out Your blessings upon us in abundance. Thank You that everything good that we see, feel and experience is a gift from You. Forgive us for neglecting to properly praise You for who You are and how You love and provide for us all. Teach us to recognize and acknowledge every good and perfect gift that comes from You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that reflects Your goodness and is an act of worship unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for how You pursue and love us, for the people that You purposefully place in our lives, and for the grace that gifts us with a fresh start each new day. Amen.

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

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praise to Your Name, O Most High. – Psalm 92:1

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

The Blessings of Strength and Peace

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NIV)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

I have experienced this so much over the last few days. For each surgery, God gave me the strength that I needed, and His peace was present. Yesterday, as I had reconstructive surgery on my lip where the cancer had been removed the day prior, I was at total peace as I was checked in and prepped for the process. Again, the procedure took less time than anticipated, and the pain has been tolerable. This morning, though I woke far earlier than planned, I felt good and was glad to be up when one of my kiddos wandered up the stairs not feeling great. Being able to offer advice, comfort and company is still a blessing, even when your kids are adults. It seems that the same sort of peace that I received, is now being passed on to my son as he is resting on the couch with me and the pups. God is good, and He is faithful to supply the strength we need and will be our peace whenever we call on His Name. As we move into this weekend of celebrating Christ, who came to us as a baby, grew into a man, and showed us God in the flesh as He lived, loved, and gave His life for us, only to rise again to sit at the right hand of the Father and constantly contend for us all, may we prioritize give Him praise for His forever faithful ways.

God is our comfort,

Faithful place of peace;

Strength when we’re weary,

All goodness released.

O Lord, we praise You,

For all that You are;

The Light of the world,

For all near and far.

When we’re uncertain,

Of what lies ahead;

The Lord will guide us,

In His strength we’re led.

Praise to You, Father,

And praise to the Son;

And to the Spirit,

Godhead, three-in-One.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength and our Provider of peace. Thank You that You are loving and kind and faithful. Thank You that You are our Healer too. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we face unknowns. Teach us to trust You more in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that strengthen and promote peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as receive Your strength and peace with gladness and give You all the glory because You are so good. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

Relax in Rest

Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. – (Psalm 116:7, NIV)

My soul, relax! The Lord is caring for you. – (Psalm 116:7, ERV)

I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings.” – (Psalm 116:7, MSG)

Yesterday was a great reminder of this. I woke early enough to do my devotional reading, but not quite early enough to write as well. After more months than it should have been, my dear friend and long-time running buddy and I met to get out and move. Dressed for the weather, we decided that a walk and talk would be far safer than a run, as the roads and sidewalks were quite icy. Nothing quite blesses my soul as much as connecting and catching up as if no times has passed. Sharing life with dear friends is so good for the soul. What made it all the sweeter was after we were done, we ended at another dear friend’s home, who had invited us in for coffee. More connecting and catching up was done, and I drove home with a smile on my face and peace in my heart. After walking the dogs and coaching my gymnasts, my love and I went to get some Christmas shopping done. Again, I was reminded of how good the Lord is to me, and how much He cares. Upon our return, he made dinner for the family, and we enjoyed a silly Christmas movie with snuggling pups. It amazes me how God can bring us rest through the busy, the ordinary, and simply through being present. He is good and has showered me with incredible blessings in those whom He has placed around me. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us throughout our days, and trust in Him to provide rest for our souls as He cares so well for us.

Relax, O my soul,

For the Lord is near;

He brings us His peace,

Comfort, love, and cheer.

He pours out blessings,

As He grants us rest;

Calm to the spirit,

For He knows us best.

In kindness and love,

Let us persevere;

Move forward in faith,

For God, You are near.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are so good to us. Thank You that You provide rest for our souls as we seek You. Thank You for the blessing of community that You call us to invest in. Forgive us for the times that we allow the worries of the world to overwhelm us rather than choosing to be still before You, as You are the One who settles the soul. Teach us to trust You more. Lead us to love those around us as You intended, and help us to be the hands, heart and voice of Your goodness and love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the blessings You have poured out upon us, and the rest that You alone bring to the soul. Amen.

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

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

The Light of Hope

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word. – (Psalm 119:114, NIV)

Hide me and protect me. I trust what You say. – (Psalm 119:114, ERV)

You are my hiding place and my shield of protection; I hope in Your word. – (Psalm 119:114, VOICE)

The dictionary definition of hope is: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. (dictionary.com) However, for those who hope in Jesus, the word means so much more. When we place our hope in God and His word, it is the blessed assurance that we know God is with us, and are confident that no matter what is going on now, our future is certain in Christ. There is comfort, joy and peace when we place our hope in the Lord and His word. Throughout scriptures, we are reminded that God’s goodness triumphs over all that would feel like it is against us. Ultimately, Jesus provides our every reason to have hope forever. He took all of our sin, shame, hurts, heartaches and fears with Him to the cross. Jesus has felt what we feel, and knows how to contend for us. When we trust in Him and place our hope in His goodness and love, we not only know and experience it here, but we have the blessed assurance that we will spend eternity with Him in the place He has prepared for us. This is the reason that the Christmas season is one that is filled with hope, for Jesus arrived as the hope of the world that had been promised long before. His arrival was hope realized, and His life and love have shown us not only what we have now, but all that is yet to come. May we ever seek the Lord to remind us of the hope we have in Him, and celebrate the blessed assurance that came into the world when Christ was born.

The Light of the world,

Came down unto us;

The hope realized,

Was found in Jesus.

Our safety and help,

Both now and to be;

Blessed assurance,

For you and for me.

Our true hope is found,

Sweet security;

Comfort in knowing,

Love eternally.

No matter what comes,

Hope in God is true;

He’s present to help,

And carry us through.

His light will lead us,

Our anchor through storms;

Good everlasting,

The Hope that transforms.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what hope truly means. Thank You that You are our hope in the here and now, and the blessed assurance we have in forever with You. Forgive us for forgetting that hope is not a feeling, but rather it is the knowing that is deeply rooted in our souls that reminds us that we are not home yet. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate and pass on what hope really means. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our hope in You and trust in the blessed assurance that we have through knowing You and spending time in Your word. Amen.

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

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:5

Compassion and Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father compassion and the God of all comfort. – (2 Corinthians 1:3, NIV)

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. – (2 Corinthians 1:3, ERV)

All praise goes to God, Father of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. He is the Father of compassion, the God of all comfort. – (2 Corinthians 1:3, VOICE)

Most nights, I wake and have little or no recollection as to what I dreamed about. This morning, however, I woke after having dreamed all throughout the night about the surgery that was just scheduled yesterday. It was neither bad nor good, but rather felt like an abundance of waiting. I imagine that it was sparked by the concern that has been weighing on me since I was told the appointment schedule, and it carried over into my dreams. It is no mystery that I am anxious about what lies ahead, yet I know I am in a space where I must simply trust and go through the process. Though I have never experienced anything quite like this before, I have experienced the unfailing faithfulness of God. God is compassionate and is our comfort, and time and time again, I can share His heart for these things in our lives. He has been with me, provided for me, and comforted me through some of life’s lowest valleys. God stayed beside me, held me up, and provided all that I needed to keep moving forward. In fifteen days, the process will have begun, and in sixteen, it will be complete. Right now, that seems like a very long wait. However, when I look back, it does not feel like gymnastics season is nearly a month in. Even when days drag on, the weeks have flown much more rapidly than realized. Time is tricky, as it goes quickly when we want it to slow down, and it seems to stand still when we desire time to speed up. God is faithful through it all, and when my focus is on praising Him and His goodness, time does not matter. May we ever seek God in all things and at all times, for He is compassionate and provides comfort as each is needed.

Praise be to the Lord,

In all things, always;

For He’s our comfort,

Throughout all our days.

When we are anxious,

We need not give fear;

A foot to stand on,

For God is so near.

His great compassion,

Comfort for the soul;

Soothes us in stillness,

As He makes us whole.

So, trust in the Lord,

Ever give Him praise;

Our hope forever,

The Ancient of Days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know our hearts and our needs far better than we do. Thank You that You are our Comforter, and You are full of compassion for us all. Forgive us for our fearfulness as we face unknowns. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, for You are faithful to go before us, stay beside us, and hold us up when we are unable to move forward without Your strength. Show us how to navigate the unknowns with faith in Your nearness, and grant us wisdom to know how to encourage and walk beside those who are in such spaces. Let Your love be evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our every fear and concern in Your capable and compassionate hands, for You are with us and will not leave us. Amen.

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

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

Invest in Encouragement

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, HCSB)

We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through His grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, ERV)

Now may our Lord Jesus (the Anointed One Himself) and God our Father (who has loved us, comforted us eternally, and given us a good hope by His grace) bring comfort to your hearts and strengthen your wills to accomplish every good work and word. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, VOICE)

Yesterday, our pastor finished a series entitled, “No One Stands Alone”. The big ideas in the messages have been about us all being called to community, not isolations, to find and be a mentor to others, and yesterday, finished up with a character study about Barnabas; as he was a fantastic example of what it is to come alongside others and be an encourager. Encouragement goes beyond simple “atta ways” and “you’ve got this”. To be an encourager is to be equipped by the Holy Spirit to walk alongside others to help them continue to grow and thrive as they seek Him. This can be physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, verbally and the like. It is so much more than a kind word. Barnabas exemplified what it is to be an encourager, as he left what he knew and his community, to go encourage and build up the believers that were a couple of hundred miles away. Additionally, he helped provide finances for those who were lacking, which was a sacrificial demonstration of God’s love that was made tangible to those in need around him. As he closed out the service, Omar (our pastor) asked the questions, “Who are the people in your life who are like a Barnabas to you?” and “Who can you be a Barnabas to?” Both questions required little thought, as I am blessed with a long list of those who have invested in and encouraged me, and know many who are in need of encouragement in this season. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to be an encouragement to those around us, both in word and action.

To choose to love well,

Be encouraging;

Is a lifestyle choice,

That we choose to bring.

Not in our own strength,

But led by the Lord;

Who shows us the way,

That grace is outpoured.

A love that is seen,

Not just by mere words;

But true investments,

That make actions heard.

May all that we do,

And all that we say;

Be encouraging,

Throughout ev’ry day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the people whom You have placed in our lives to encourage and walk alongside us. Thank You for those whom You have called us to do likewise. Forgive us for the times that we did not listen to Your leading as to how we might lift up and encourage those around us. Show us how to be dependent on Your Spirit to lead us to love those around us in ways that build them up and encourage them forward to all that You have for them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, the ultimate Encourager to us all. Be glorified O God, as we look to You to lead us to encourage others well, and help us recognize and appreciate the people whom You have led to encourage us. Amen.

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

Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4