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

Gather Together

For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them. – (Matthew 18:20, NIV)

Yes, if two or three people are together believing in Me, I am there with them. – (Matthew18:20, ERV)

For when two or three gather together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them. – (Matthew 18:20, VOICE)

This passage is yet another reminder that we are called to be in community. There is power in being present with fellow believers. We can encourage and lift one another up, and Jesus tells us He will be with us when we join with one another in purpose. Yes, we can be aware of God’s nearness on our own, but there is something powerful that happens when we are united in prayer and intention with at least one or two others. Sometimes, all we need is simply to be present with one another to find comfort, peace and encouragement. Being together turns friends into family and family into friends as hearts are heard and held up through fellowship. Incredibly, the friendships that have been established over time become the ones that we can go to, no matter how much time has passed, and share life together as if we had never had time apart. May we ever be intentional to invest in community so that we gather together often with those whom we can encourage and lift up and know that the same will be done for us.

We’re called to gather,

be community;

and as we do so,

God’s there, faithfully.

He hears what we ask,

and receives our praise;

in love He upholds,

throughout all our days.

Ever let’s seek Him,

gather and be near;

love one another,

as we seek, He hears.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You promise to be present when two or three of us gather in Your Name. Thank You that You hear our prayers and receive our praise. Thank You that You provide Your comfort, care, peace and protection in tangible ways through those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have isolated ourselves when we needed one another. Show us how to reach out and be intentional to spend time with those whom You have placed in our lives. Lead us to love and encourage each other as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we gather together in Your Name and seek You to lead us to love well, each person who crosses our path. Amen.

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

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a

Judge Not

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. – (Romans 14:13, NIV)

So we should stop judging each other. Let’s decide not to do anything that will cause a problem for a brother or sister or hurt their faith. – (Romans 14:13, ERV)

In light of this, we must resolve never to judge others and never to place an obstacle or impediment in their paths that could cause them to trip and fall. – (Romans 14:13, VOICE)

We are not called to judge each other, but rather we are asked to help one another do the right thing. This is only possible when we seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and we avoid doing things that could cause someone else to stumble or challenge their trust in God. Unless we know people well, we may not know what might be a stumbling block for them. When our hearts are set on doing good and encouraging one another in love, we can avoid doing thing that could be considered questionable by some. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and follow after the example that He has set before us through His Son.

Choose not judge others,

instead seek to love;

let words and actions,

point to God above.

All things with kindness,

with purpose that’s good;

be sure to listen,

so all’s understood.

Choose to hear the heart,

of those who surround;

with love and with grace,

God’s peace will be found.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You lead us on the path You have placed before us as we seek to follow after You. Thank You that You remind us that it is not our job to judge others, but rather to help, love, and encourage each other in ways that keep us from stumbling or veering off the path You have for us. Forgive us for the times that we have judged those around us instead of seeking to understand. Show us Your heart for others so that we may see all through Your lens of love. Lead us in Your goodness and grace so that we love others 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 ways and to show us the things that could cause another to stumble that we ought not do. Amen.

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

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2

Strength and Peace Supplied

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)

We ask You, Eternal One, to give strength to Your people; Eternal One, bless them with the gift of peace. – (Psalm 29:11, VOICE)

Yesterday, after school and gymnastics practice, I made my way south to my sister’s home in Oregon. The sky was a brilliant blue, the sun was shining, and the air was warm. Traffic was only bad in two places, and the remainder of the drive moved freely. With music blaring and my voice raised in song, the miles passed by quickly and I arrived in a timely fashion. There was even still time to visit with my sister and catch a glimpse of my nephew before heading to bed. This morning, I woke at my usual hour so that I could spend time seeking the Lord to set my heart right for all that lies ahead today. My purpose for being here during the week is to be present for my mom as she undergoes a procedure that is a bit unnerving. My sister and I will take her, be with her, and will wait together until all is finished, and then will spend time with mom before I make the long drive home. The overwhelming feeling I have had since I began my drive is that of God’s perfect peace. Though I know the idea of what lies ahead today is a bit scary for mom, I have felt an incredible sense of His peace, knowing that God will be present and will guide the hands of the surgeons and care team. Mom has been through more than her fair share of medical things over the last few years, and every step of the journey, God has been faithful to provide strength and peace to press on. The hope and prayer for today’s outcome is that mom’s medical team will have a plan to protect and keep her well, despite the challenges she has endured. God is good, and He is faithful to His promises. May we ever seek Him and trust in Him, for He supplies His strength and peace to those who ask and depend on Him.

The Lord is faithful,

A favorite capture of Mom, my sis and me. ❤

to all who choose seek;

peace in the chaos,

and strength when we’re weak.

His goodness abounds,

despite what is not;

His love is greater,

each time He is sought.

O Lord, we seek You,

and trust in Your grace;

our strength and our peace,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You supply the strength and peace we need to navigate each new day. Thank You that You go before us, walk beside us, and hold us in the hollow of Your mighty hands. Forgive us for our fearfulness when the unknown lies ahead. Teach us to trust You more, for Your love never fails. Lead us to love, encourage, and support those around us in ways that share Your strength and peace in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and how You love, for Your love provides the peace and strength we need in all things and at all times. 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

A Command to Love

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” – (John 13:34, HCSB)

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you.” – (John 13:34, ERV)

“So I give you a new command. Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in the same way.” – (John 13:34, VOICE)

We have been created for and commanded to love. Jesus demonstrated what it is to truly love one another through His life, death, resurrection and ascension. Everything Jesus did, He did in love. He helped, healed, touched, provided, sacrificed, forgave, prayed for, and so much more. If we want to live a life that follows after His command, we must choose love in everything that we say and do. Our decision to love is not to earn something, but rather to allow the love He gives to us to be poured out and overflow to those around us. To learn to love as we are commanded takes a lifetime of practice. We all have our moments and fall short, yet He picks us up, dusts us off, and reminds us how great His love is so that we can rise up and choose to love likewise. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love as He does so that all might know the overwhelming, never-ending love of God.

Called and commanded,

  My love. ❤ Photo credit – Open Door Photography

to go forth and love;

not as the world does,

but like Christ above.

Love’s sacrificial,

it puts others first;

choice to keep loving,

even at our worst.

Love seeks to lift up,

to build, encourage;

it always forgives,

does not discourage.

Love is full of grace,

and given for free;

embraces the heart,

shows people they’re seen.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

that You love us best;

with love abundant,

to bless and be blessed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only command us to love, but You have shown us again and again, what it is to love. Thank You Jesus, for living a life of love and for empowering those around us to love well. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved as You intended. Teach us to follow after You with all that we are so that we might love well in all that we say and do. Lead us in Your amazing love so that all whom we encounter would recognize the goodness of Your faithful love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love as You first loved us. Amen.

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

My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. – Psalm 63:3

Praying for One Another

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. – (2 Thessalonians 1:11, NIV)

That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to help you live the good way He wanted when He chose you. The goodness you have makes you want to do good. And the faith you have makes you work. We pray that with His power God will help you do these things more and more. – (2 Thessalonians 1:11, ERV)

All this is why we are constantly praying for you, so God will make you worthy of the great calling you have received from Him and will give you the power to accomplish every good intention and work of faith. – (2 Thessalonians 1:11, VOICE)

This is a great reminder that we ought to continually be praying for one another; asking God to equip, strengthen and empower one another to do the things that He has created us to do. We all have strengths and gifts that He has given to us to use for His glory. At times, we are uncertain as to how we might do so, and other times we simply feel too weary to do more. That being said, as we step forward in the direction to which we have been called, we discover that He will provide what we need to get through each new day. There have been many times in my life that I knew it was through the faithful prayers of my mom and grandma that I was equipped to do what I never thought was possible. My hope is that I become one who is faithfully praying for others. This must be a purposeful practice, for it is only through repetition that something becomes a habit, and ultimately turns into something that is a part of who we are. I know this is true with my daily devotions that led to this blog. For nearly a decade and a half, I have begun every morning this way. It sets my heart for the day, and equips me to do the things that are before me. May we ever seek the Lord to build in us a habit of praying for one another.

O Lord, help us pray,

in love, for others;

with consistency,

for sisters, brothers.

Father, guide our hearts,

show us how to pray;

to lift each other,

throughout each new day.

All grace and all peace,

God lovingly gives;

our help and our hope,

each day that we live.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

as we go the way;

that You’re calling us,

equip us, I pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to and create us for community. Thank You that You established countless examples of what it looks like to cover one another in prayer. Thank You that You quicken to our minds and hearts the things we ought to bring before You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to slow down and listen. Teach us to be intentional to pray for those around us. Lead us to love, encourage, and build up one another. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as an answer to our prayers. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to make prayer for each other a lifestyle. Amen.

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

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12

He Sees

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” – (Genesis 16:13, NIV)

The Lord talked to Hagar. She began to use a new name for God. She said to Him, “You are ‘God Who Sees Me.'” She said this because she thought, “I see that even in this place God sees me and cares for me!” – (Genesis 16:13, ERV)

As a result of this encounter, Hagar decided to give the Eternal One who had spoken to her a special name because He had seen her in her misery. Hagar: I’m going to call You the God of Seeing because in this place I have seen the One who watches over me. – (Genesis 16:13, VOICE)

God’s interaction with Hagar is a wonderful reminder of His care for each of us, individually. He sees and knows our need, and makes His heart for us known as we seek Him. God spoke to Hagar in her space of need, and encouraged her to rise up and press on. For us, He does the same when we look to Him. Our heart is heard and our needs are known and He meets us in our moments with His loving kindness and grace. Though our circumstances may not change, His care and goodness to us will carry us through. Hagar’s circumstances did not change, but her perspective did once she understood the Lord’s care for her. At times, it is difficult to get past the questions as to why we must face and endure the things that come our way. Some people seem to have no obstacles, and then others who do not deserve difficulty and heartache have to endure the most. Thankfully, God is greater than our questions and frustrations. We may not get our answers as to why things happen the way that they do, but He will be present and will provide what we need to press on. His goodness and grace never run out, and His heart for us is one of a loving Father. May we ever seek the Lord in both our struggles and our celebrations, for He is good and is faithful to walk beside us in all things.

Our Holy Father,

is the God who sees;

all that we go through,

and all that we need.

He sees our struggles,

in love, He provides;

His help and His hope,

as we choose abide.

To abide in Him,

means that He is near;

to hear our heartache,

and help us with fear.

His provisions come,

despite what we see;

His presence always,

supplies what we need.

Though answers might not,

explain things we lose;

His love will uphold,

as He’s who we choose.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are bigger than our challenges and circumstances, and that Your love is larger than our questions and our fears. Thank You that You are big enough to handle our questions and love us through our struggles. Forgive us for our anger and frustration when we cannot make sense of what transpires in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Teach us to cling to You, even when things do not make sense. Thank You for the Biblical examples of how You have made Yourself known and shown Your care for those in need throughout the ages. Lead us to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your heart known to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You, even when things seem unfair or do not make sense. Amen.

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

Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar. – Psalm 138:6

Peace That is Present

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)

Jesus knew the difficulty and heartache that we would endure. He came so that we would never have to walk through challenges alone, and made the way for His peace to be present with us, always. When we receive Him, His Spirit dwells in us and grants us peace, even when peace does not make sense. It does not mean trouble will be absent, rather it means that we have the blessed assurance that we will never walk through difficulty alone. God with us, means that He is present to strengthen, comfort, encourage, and uphold us in and through all things. Every trial, heartache, and challenge, He has faced and understands what we need to keep moving forward. Jesus comes alongside us and provides so that we know His goodness and peace, even in the most difficult of circumstances. May we ever thank the Lord for His presence that provides us His perfect peace.

No matter what comes,

the Lord’s ever near;

His presence brings peace,

as grace is made clear.

His love upholds us,

in everything;

His help grants us hope,

our Eternal King.

Peace that is present,

when chaos seems reign;

hope through the heartache,

all in His great Name.

Trust in His goodness,

as He brings release;

the help that we need,

and His perfect peace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to be with us and to grant us Your Spirit. Thank You that Your nearness provides peace, even when peace does not make sense. Forgive us for the times that we allow the chaos around us to crowd out our peace. Teach us to lean into You, for You are peace in all things and at all times. Thank You that You are the peace that is present no matter what comes. Show us how to be ambassadors of Your peace. Lead us to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and peace tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your present peace and trust You to be ever near. Amen.

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

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Keep Doing Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up. – (Galatians 6:9, ERV)

So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. – (Galatians 6:9, MSG)

We are called to do good things. If we love God and love people, we are compelled to speak and act out of His love toward all. This call is not merely for a season, but rather for each day that we draw breath. In doing so, we gain glimpses of eternity here on earth and are reminded of the promise that we are not home yet. Our charge is to persevere, for challenges will come our way, yet we have the One who will strengthen and equip us to overcome. May we ever seek the Lord to strengthen and encourage us to press on, even when things are difficult. As we do, we see the power of His love at work all around us.

Do not grow weary,

choosing to do good;

press on in His strength,

make love understood.

For we have been called,

to love as He loves;

equipped and upheld,

to do as He does.

As we choose press on,

we witness His grace;

the power of love,

as we run our race.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to love others well;

in word, thought and deed,

so love our lives tell.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and equip us to do good. Thank You that the good You call us to lifts others up and points hearts to You. Forgive us for our weariness when we cannot see the difference that love is making. Teach us to trust You in all things and for all times. Show us how to love and do the good that You are calling us to. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience Your loving kindness. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love in all that we say and do. Amen.

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

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

Together is Better

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV)

Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help. But those who are alone when they fall have no one to help them. – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ERV)

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps. But if there’s no one to help, tough! – (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, MSG)

There are so many instances in my life that have shown me again and again that this is true. It is true in marriage, friendship, family, work, and so much more. In our household, having a partner to work and walk beside makes so much more possible. In all things, when work is divided we are united. If one of us is not feeling well or overwhelmed, the other is there to help lighten the burden and carry the load. With family and close friendships, there is mutual encouragement and space to share, be it worries, celebrations, adventures or obstacles. At work, having a person to walk alongside and share ideas and strategies lightens the load. It makes the seemingly impossible, possible. God is so good and He knows what we need. We were created to be in relationships, and having a trusted partner makes all the difference as we navigate each new day. May we give God all thanks and praise for those whom He has given us to walk alongside in this life.

Together’s better,

than walking alone;

a help and partner,

new possibles known.

The work that is shared,

is done much faster;

a dear on that’s near,

averts disaster.

When challenges come,

there is someone near;

with encouragement,

and a heart to hear.

In all things, always,

another beside;

a blessing of strength,

goodness and delight.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for relationships;

that strengthen, lift up,

for life they equip.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that two are better than one. Thank You that You bless us with people whom we can walk alongside stronger. Thank You for the countless benefits of invested relationships. Forgive us for the times that we think we need to navigate alone. Teach us to trust You, and to trust those whom You have placed in our lives as a partner to walk beside. Show us how to best encourage, support, love and work together with those whom we have been blessed. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they witness the power of Your presence and goodness of Your grace that is made evident through people partnering well. Be glorified O God, as we thank and praise You for the people whom You have intentionally given us as partners and helpmates to navigate our days. Amen.

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

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:5