A Homecoming to Celebrate

How does one adequately express the essence of a ninety-eight year life lived well? I thought about speaking of my Gram’s faithfulness to God, her unwavering love for her family, friends and church, or perhaps the way that she utilized the gifts that God gave her of music and writing and art to touch the hearts of those around her for Him. For a few weeks I allowed my thoughts to simply settle, and just waited for words to come. As I was driving home from work a few weeks ago, and the lines I knew I was to record and share began playing over and over in my mind, I discovered that my portion to share was not about what Gram had done, but rather where her faith and hope had taken her. Those who knew Rosemary Elizabeth Steiner, knew that she was certain of her eternity. Her hope was not in earthly treasures, but rather in her heavenly home. Gram reminded us always that we were precious in her sight, just as we are in Christ’s. May we all rejoice in the hope of our eternity, and celebrate her incredible homecoming together.

 

Precious Ones

Weep not precious ones,

For I am now home;

The view before me,

Is like none I’ve known.

I walk on gold streets,

With angels, I sing;

Each breath full of life,

Love’s sweet offerings.

And O when my eyes,

At last saw His face;

So tender and kind,

His welcome embrace.

Gentle were His words,

As He said to me,

“Well done, precious child!”

I fell to my knees…

Though strong were His hands,

My Savior knelt down;

He placed on my head,

My very own crown.

I could not contain,

The tears in my eyes;

As loved ones appeared,

This hope – realized.

Oh sweet beloveds,

Do not weep for me;

It’s but a moment,

To your setting free.

©Shannon E. Moreno 2017

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of my Gram that I have known for my entire life. Thank You that my children have had the privilege and the pleasure of knowing her too. Thank You for the example and blessing that Rosemary Elizabeth Steiner has been to so many. Forgive us for not recognizing nor appreciating the treasures we have in those around us nearly enough. Teach us to honor and give thanks for all those whom You have placed in our lives. Show us how to love well, just as she loved like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate the blessed homecoming of those who faithfully follow You. Amen.

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

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Seeking to Gain

But godliness with contentment is great gain. – (1 Timothy 6:6)

 

The wholehearted pursuit of Christ, leads to a contentment that cannot be found anywhere else. No earthly treasures can compare to the peace that passes all understanding in our hearts and minds, when we allow the Lord to reign. Godliness, our state of ongoing spiritual growth and fulfillment through Him whom we give all honor and praise, grants us the greatest gain of all, as we discover all that God is doing in and through our lives. As we take our eyes off of earthly acquisitions, and focus rather on the things of God, contentment comes flooding in. May we seek the Lord with all that we are, and know the contentment that comes from a life gained through His grace.

 

Contentment is gained,

as we pursue Christ;

lay down earthly things,

see His sacrifice.

For the life we gain,

following the Lord;

a heart that is pure,

and grace to afford.

Nothing on the earth,

compares to His love;

let us pursue Christ,

and seek God above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that to seek You and know You is our greatest gain. Thank You that nothing in the world compares to You. Forgive us for taking our eyes off of You, and allowing our hearts to be distracted by things that do not honor You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will be content in all things and at all times, knowing that You are with us and in us; and that is so much more than enough. Lead us to love others well, so that they too may come to know contentment in a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to know You and honor You in all that we do, and are content in all circumstances. Amen.

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

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78

The Essence of Exaltation

The essence of worship,

when our love is outpoured;

giving earthly treasures,

without seeking reward.

He laid down His own life,

price we couldn’t afford;

showing obedience,

our great heavenly Lord.

As we bring our worship,

He looks into our heart;

does He see sacrifice,

or us playing a part?

Like the pure perfume jar,

poured upon Jesus’ head;

may our offering be,

as the Spirit has led.

May our acts of worship,

all honor that we bring;

give glory to our God,

our Hope and Everything.

The great gracious Savior,

is so worthy indeed;

let our life song be sung,

so that captives are freed.

(Responding to Mark 14:3-9)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not want robots that go through rituals, rather You desire disciples who are devoted to loving You and loving others with our whole lives. Thank You Jesus, that You showed us what it is to live a life of loving God and loving people with all that You are. Forgive us for the countless ways in which we have fallen short, and use each one as an opportunity to be refined, so that we may more clearly love like You. Teach us to quiet our hearts before You, so that we are intent to listen, and help us to act on all that You ask. May many be moved toward Your majesty through our ongoing acts of worship. Be exalted in everything we say and do, and let our lives bring praise to You. Amen.

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

As my reflection this morning is based on the story of the Alabaster jar broken and poured out as an offering, I found this song to be a perfect pairing. 🙂 Click the title in green to enjoy: Alabaster Jar by Kari Jobe.