Thank You for Moms

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. – (Psalm 139:13, NIV)

You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. – (Psalm 139:13, ERV)

For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath. – (Psalm 139:13, VOICE)

Without our mothers, we would not exist. No matter whether our upbringing was wonderful or a struggle, the gift that each person holds in their existence in the world is because they had a mother who chose to give them life. When I think of the dear friends and family that have and continue to surround me every day, I am so grateful to God that their mothers chose them. For my own mom, grandma, aunts, aunties, sister, and dear sister-like friends, I am in awe of the incredible way that they have been created and how each of them chooses to love so well. The examples set around me compel me to be the best version of myself and ever seek God to grow me into the woman and mother that He created me to be. We are all a work in progress, and He never stops working in, through, and around us as we pursue Him. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us and give Him praise for intentionally creating us with a plan and purpose.

Each with a purpose,

Created and formed;

Fully known and loved,

He calls us His own.

A mother, sister,

Auntie or a friend;

Purposefully placed,

To show love won’t end.

Lord, we are thankful,

For the ones given;

To love us so well,

Your chosen women.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the overwhelming blessings that You have placed in our lives through the ones who gave us life to those who have shaped, touched, and blessed our lives for the better. Thank You for my mom, as You knew just who my sister and I needed to guide and grow us best. Thank You for the women that You have placed in our lives to help shape us into who You want us to be. Forgive us for the times that we have taken these gifts for granted. Teach us to embrace the gifts all around us. Lead us to love people as You planned. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Please surround and uphold those who struggle through loss or absence of their moms today. Help each person feel the good that You have given through mothers and mother-like women in our lives. Be glorified O God, as we give You all of our thanks and praise, and ever seek You to lead us to love as You intended. Amen.

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

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you… – Isaiah 66:13a

Be Family

In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ. – (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. – (Philippians 2:5, ERV)

In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. – (Philippians 2:5, VOICE)

This is my first year coaching junior varsity volleyball at the school where I teach. My sister was a collegiate volleyball player, but my only volleyball experience was playing in the summers at the beach. I know the basics, but there are many nuances that I do not. The program that has been built where I am coaching is centered on the premise that we are a sisterhood. Incredibly, this really follows this verse, as family looks out for each other, helps one another, and has each other’s back. Jesus called us to love one another in similar ways. I know the success that they have experienced in the past has been based on valuing one another, much as we are called to do. Though I am learning volleyball, I am acutely familiar with what we are meant to do with a mindset like Christ. The biggest challenge is to do so. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love one another with the mindset of Christ.

Love one another,

As Jesus loves us;

Choose be like-minded,

With His faithfulness.

Prefer each other,

Encourage, build up;

Support and choose bless,

Fill each other’s cup.

Give grace for mistakes,

Forgive and choose love;

Together in peace,

Like Jesus above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to love one another as You love us. Thank You Jesus, that You modeled what it is to love like You. Forgive us for the times that we have not lived with Your mindset or attitude towards each other. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love as You love. Amen.

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

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

Space In Between

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – (Romans 5:8, NIV)

But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much He loves us. – (Romans 5:8, ERV)

But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display – the Anointed One died for us. – (Romans 5:8, VOICE)

The time in between the crucifixion and the resurrection is a strange space. Back then, I can only imagine the grief and horror the disciples and family of Jesus must have been feeling. It had to have been a somber, sorrowful sort of Saturday as they faced the disbelief that the Savior had died. Being a Sabbath, there was little that could be done on this in between day. Thankfully, now, it is more of an anticipatory sort of day, as we await the Sunday celebration of our risen Savior. He who died on the cross was not defeated by death, but was about rise, overcoming a horrific death, to show us the power and love of our Lord. Today is a great day to contemplate not only the sacrifice our Savior made on our behalf, but to anticipate with hope, the soon and coming King. His resurrection is our reminder that after darkness, light will come; after death, new life awaits; and after sorrow, there is a celebration that lies ahead. May we never forget the death Christ died on our behalf, and the powerful love that not only did so for our sake, but defeated death and rose again to show us the hope we forever have in Him.

Love overwhelming,

Chose wear all our sin;

Suffered for our sake,

So hope could begin.

Hope in the waiting,

Unsure what to do;

Anticipating,

All that is made new.

With resurrection,

New life can begin;

Where death’s defeated,

As His love does win.

The cross remembered,

This time in between;

Anticipation,

Of that yet unseen.

The stone rolled away,

And an empty tomb;

Holy announcement,

To see Jesus soon.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to save us. Jesus, thank You that You took on all of our sin and shame so that we might know new life in You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to recognize the overwhelming weight that You bore on our behalf, and the miraculous power within You to overcome death; for not even the grave to hold You. Teach us to reflect and rejoice in Your goodness and love, and show us how to love those around us in ways that extend the hope that is found in You alone. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for You sacrifice and embrace the hope that we know in You because the same power that defeated death dwells in every heart that has invited You in. Amen.

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

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. – Matthew 27:59-60

Choose to Shine

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. – (1 John 2:10, MSG)

I appreciate the Message translation of this verse tremendously, as it is a powerful reminder that when we choose love, we allow God’s light to shine, yet when we do not, we can actually block the light that God’s love intended for them to receive. God calls and equips us to love yet created us with a free will to choose. As we choose to love, we choose to allow the loving light of God to shine through us to the world. The people around us become more like family, and our hearts expand to give and receive as we were designed through allowing love to lead in all that we say and do. This is not always easy or natural, yet it is always worthwhile. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that we may shine His loving light on all who are near us.

When we choose to love,

Christ’s light is made clear;

His love is poured out,

To all who are near.

Brothers and sisters,

Family and friends;

All who cross our path,

For love to extend.

What’s incredible,

Is there’s always more;

The light of God’s love,

Will always endure.

Lord, help us to choose,

To share well Your light;

And love each other,

For Your love delights.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and share Your light wherever we go and whatever we do. Thank You that You fill us to overflowing when we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love and have hidden the light that You intended to shine through us. Teach us to ever trust in You and to follow the path that You have placed before us. Lead us to love well so that all around us may know the lavish light of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love one another as sisters and brothers as we allow Your light to shine. Amen.

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

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. – Proverbs 13:9

Seek to Understand

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. – (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

So all of you should live together in peace. Try to understand each other. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Be kind and humble. – (1 Peter 3:8, ERV)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and show sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to and for each other. – (1 Peter 3:8, VOICE)

In order to live together in peace, we must seek to understand one another and love each other like family. To accomplish this requires compassion, humility and kindness. It does not mean we have to share the same opinions on everything or like all of the same thing, but rather it is through mutual love and respect that we may live peaceably with the people around us throughout each new day. The challenge in this is that it only works if all are striving for the same end goal – to love and care for one another like family. I have been blessed to find myself in community at work, church, with friends, and actual family, where care for each other is valued over political, religious, and world views. If people are our priority, peace falls into place. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and to show us how to best love those around us with compassion and humility, ever seeking to understand each other in love.

O Lord, please lead us,

To love as You love;

With kindness and grace,

Lifting others up.

Help us be humble,

Keep others in mind;

Seek understanding,

And always be kind.

With true compassion,

Let’s listen and learn;

Value each other,

In love, choose affirm.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be compassionate and kind, humble and loving, seeking to live at peace with everyone. Thank You that You remind us how to live together like family. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked compassion or humility, and did not seek to understand or to pursue peace. Show us how to love one another as sisters and brothers, for You love us perfectly and provide all that we need to love and live at peace with each other. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to understand each other and live together in peace, with humility, compassion, kindness and love. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5

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

Love and Comfort

May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. – (Psalm 119:76, NIV)

Now comfort me with Your faithful love, as You promised. – (Psalm 119:76, ERV)

Now let Your unfailing love be my comfort, in keeping with Your promise to Your servant. – (Psalm 119:76, VOICE)

Yesterday, God was so faithful to be near me as I had my first surgical procedure done. What could have been many steps, layers, and hours, was instead completed in one deep cut and an hour and a half. His peace was with me, even in discomfort, and last night, I slept well. As I am up this morning before surgery number two, I am amazed that I have no pain at all; granted, I am merely sitting and unable to have my usual coffee, but in the just sitting with Thor beside me, I am good. I am grateful that today’s process involves sedation, as I should not remember nor feel anything. My hope and prayers are that the healing process is quick and tolerable, as we will be traveling in a few days to spend a bit of time with my mom, sister, and family. I am holding to the promise that God will continue to be my comfort and grant me strength and peace to be able to enjoy the time together. His promises are true, and His faithfulness knows no end, so I am holding closely all that He says in my heart and mind. May we ever seek the Lord to be our comfort, for His unfailing love remains present with us.

O God, You are good,

No matter what comes;

Your promises true,

The Most Holy One.

You are our comfort,

Our true place of peace;

Most generously,

Your love is released.

You are the goodness,

Throughout all our days;

The hope we can hold,

Both now and always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your unfailing love is our comfort and peace. Thank You that You are faithful to go before us, remain with us, and make Your nearness known. Forgive us for allowing our fears to find a foothold rather than trust You completely. Teach us to cling to You, our anchor, through all that comes our way. Show us how to love those around us like You do, so that we may share the same comfort and love that we are given. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to Your promises and receive Your overwhelming love. Amen.

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

I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. – Psalm 31:7

Thankful For The Unshakable

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. – (Hebrews 12:28, NIV)

So we should be thankful because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And because we are thankful, we should worship God in a way that will please Him. We should do this with respect and fear. – (Hebrews 12:28, ERV)

Therefore, let us all be thankful that we are a part of an unshakable Kingdom and offer to God worship that pleases Him and reflects the awe and reverence we have toward Him. – (Hebrews 12:28, VOICE)

Gratitude ought to be our mode of operation throughout each new day. A thankful heart is not dependent on merely that which we are walking into, but rather gratitude can look back and see the incredible ways that God has moved on our behalf, and look ahead to the faithfulness of God and the hope that is yet to come through eternity spent in His presence. Even in the here and now of difficulty, there are always things to be thankful for. For me, that includes the people whom God has placed around me, and those He has blessed me with as family. To worship God in a way that will please Him is all about the state of our heart. When our heart is full of awe and reverence for who God is and how He loves, our every act of worship is a reflection of such, and is pleasing to Him who we worship. May we ever let our hearts overflow with gratitude for He who deserves all of our worship forever. 

All thanks be to God,

Who sits on the throne;

Our help and our hope,

Through Whom love is shown.

He’s faithful always,

No matter what comes;

So let us give thanks,

For all He has done.

Even through heartache,

And difficulty;

His presence is clear,

Magnificently.

God’s presence gives hope,

Strength, life and His love;

Our anchor secure,

We are His beloved.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are receiving Your kingdom both now and forevermore. Thank You that this means that we have help and hope in You, no matter what lies ahead. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations that block our view of who You are and how You love. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that grant hope and demonstrate gratitude. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for who You are and how You love. Amen.

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

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. – Psalm 125:1

All Thanks and Praise

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – (Ephesians 5:20, NIV)

Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ. – (Ephesians 5:20, MSG)

And give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed for all He has done. – (Ephesians 5:20, VOICE)

Gratitude is what sets our hearts right. No matter what is going on in our lives, around us, or in the world, there are always reasons to give thanks to God. As I watch our puppies play in the living room as I write, I am thankful to God for our home and for the joy that these two pups bring to our family. It is easy to expand from there, as I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my family – both in our home and beyond. Additionally, I am grateful for the friends that surround us, and for the communities to which I belong. God is intentional in the people whom He places beside us and around us, as He knows what we each need and how to help us each navigate as He intended. May we ever be intentional to stop and give thanks to God for all that is good in our lives, for as we do, we recognize how good He is and how loved we truly are.

All thanks be to God,

For all that is good;

His loving kindness,

And grace understood.

Family and friends,

Each community;

In which we’ve been placed,

Opportunity.

A chance to be kind,

Encourage and love;

To help each other,

Like the Lord above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the countless ways that You love, encourage, support and provide for us each day we draw breath. Thank You for the people whom You have placed in our lives. Forgive us for neglecting to give Your praise for all that You provide. Teach us to recognize the overwhelming goodness and love that You have for us, and how You care for us individually. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness evident. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You and give You thanks for who You are and how You love us all. Amen.

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

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Called to Community

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. – (Proverbs 17:17, HCSB)

A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, ERV)

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, MSG)

A true friend loves regardless of the situation, and a real brother exists to share the tough times. – (Proverbs 17:17, VOICE)

This is yet another reminder that we were created to be in community. If we invest in time with friends and family, we grow close and are ready to walk alongside each other, no matter what comes our way. True investment connects hearts and lives, and provides opportunity to love and be loved as God intended. Though a simple concept, it requires intentional investment. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to invest in our relationships with friends and family, and to equip us to love and help one another at all times.

No matter what comes,

We are called to seek;

Time with each other,

In community.

When one friend falls down,

Another is near;

To help the one up,

And overcome fear.

Together there’s strength,

The power to move;

Hope to keep going,

And fear is removed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have created and called us to be in community. Thank You for the friends and family that You have placed around us. Thank You for the gift of loving and being loved. Forgive us for neglecting to invest in those You have placed around us. Teach us to know the balance of time and energy that will grow depth in our community without depleting us of necessary rest. Show us how to love well, so that our friends and family know that they always have someone in their corner, ready to walk beside them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, for You are the ultimate Father and friend. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the family and friends around us, and seek You to lead us to love one another well. Amen.

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

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. – Ecclesiastes 4:9