Resolve to Press On

I love You, Lord, my strength. – (Psalm 18:1, HCSB)

I love You, Lord! You are my strength. – (Psalm 18:1, ERV)

I love You, God – You make me strong. – (Psalm 18:1, MSG)

This past long weekend is exactly what I needed to rest and recharge. I am not typically good at rest and relaxation, but rainy weather, a cozy fireplace in our travel trailer, and hours of cribbage and binge watching a funny new series on Netflix with my favorite, provided a much-needed relaxing weekend. Thankfully, the weather did improve, and we walked and rode the scooters and explored. Upon returning home yesterday morning, a long dog walk with our very happy puppies and laundry were gladly accomplished. The evening included the new Top Gun movie and dinner with our besties, and the young man who served us was a former student who has grown up well. All of these blessings have been life-giving, and I feel strengthened and equipped to navigate the final thirteen days of school that remain. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, and give Him praise for how He loves us so well.

Give thanks to the Lord,

For goodness and grace;

For He is our strength,

Throughout all our days.

Rest when we’re weary,

Resolve to press on;

Hope for the future,

His love carries on.

May we give Him praise,

For strength, life and love;

Provided each day,

By the Lord above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Provider of all that we need. Thank You that You are love, and that You strengthen and renew us as we seek You. Forgive us for trying to power through when we are called to rest, or for neglecting to seek You to be our strength. Teach us to praise You and rely on You to lead us in all things, and to show us when to press on and when to rest. Lead us to love those around us in ways that are encouraging, loving and life-giving. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and thank You for encouraging and strengthening us as only You can. Amen.

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

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. – Matthew 6:33

Living a Legacy Life

Yesterday, the task to which I charged my students, was for each one to select a “legacy” word for the year. The word that they choose is to be accompanied by a symbol or image that represents that word to them, and each card with word and image will be posted on a designated wall in my classroom. Our discussions throughout the day about what a legacy is, were rich and rewarding. These 7th graders understand the value in passing something down to those who come after them. Additionally, each of them desires to achieve their highest potential, both this year, and in life. The goals and dreams held in the hearts of young people are truly inspiring.

It is good to have something to pass down to your grandchildren. But wealth hidden away by sinners will be given to those who live right. – (Proverbs 13:22)

What we pass on to the next generation and beyond, matters. If we share wisdom and insight that steers them in the right direction, and leads them on the path of righteousness, hope, light and life will lie before them. However, if we shatter dreams and shut down the hopes that kids hold in their hearts, we may be missing out on a promising leader, artist, doctor, inventor, discoverer, or the like. Our wealth is not just monetary. Our time, our heart, our concern, our love, our energy – kids need adults who care to invest in their lives. If a child knows that at least one grown up in their world is for them, they are more confident to move toward their dreams. May we share the wealth that we have, with those who will follow in our footsteps – be it our time, experience, wisdom or resources. Let us make the choice to be a champion for every child.

Living legacy,

is a choice to make;

how to be recalled,

despite our mistakes.

Do we choose rise up,

and try, try again;

or do we choose fold,

give up and give in?

How we choose respond,

matters very much;

young ones are watching,

our words, deeds and such.

We shape their thinking,

of what’s right and wrong;

we model respect,

and how to belong.

Let’s make the right choice,

be a champion;

instead of limits,

kids see dreams begin.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us the privilege and the responsibility of caring for the next generation. Thank You that You do not expect us to do this on our own, but rather You equip and empower us with You grace, goodness and love, to care well for all whom we are given charge. Thank You that You intentionally create each individual with gifts and talents that are waiting to be discovered. Forgive us for not seeking to find those hidden treasures in every human, and teach us to see people through Your eyes. Help us to trust You in us as we are placed positions where we are desperately in need of You. Lead us to love and care for kids well, as they are the leaders of tomorrow. Show us how to leave a legacy of faithfulness in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to honor You in all that we do, and leave a legacy of loving You and people well. Amen.

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

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

A Powerful and Purposeful Life

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. – (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

The gifts God gives are abundant and beneficial. That which He deposits within us, by His Holy Spirit, provide all that we need to live a powerful and purposeful life in Christ. Some of the above mentioned gifts are a bit easier to embrace than others. As one who has grown up as an athlete, the self-discipline portion makes sense and translates well to my spiritual life. Creating time each day to spend in God’s word is as natural as knowing the need to run regularly prior to a big race. Life is an ongoing race, so the daily training is essential to successfully navigate each new twist and turn as it comes.

 

Love too, seems to flow freely, as it has been poured abundantly into me. Having a godly and gracious grandmother and mother, who model what it means to love with all that they are, has set the standard for how I am meant to love my own children, and all those whom I encounter. Additionally, I am blessed with a circle of church family and friends that demonstrate the love of Christ, tangibly, to one another and to the community in which we reside.

 

To set aside timidity is to stretch the borders in which this introvert dwells. It is only by His power, that anything of worth can be accomplished, and I have to constantly remind myself that “greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world.” It is only through self-discipline and love, that I am able to receive His power and say “yes“, when He asks anything of me that requires me to be bold. Ironically, this occurs daily, as the mere act of pressing the publish button is one of obedience, rather than of a desire to display my devotional life. By His Spirit, we can do abundantly more than we would ever imagine possible. May we go forth in His power, setting aside our fears and embracing His love, as we seek to submit to the Lord and live a disciplined life according to His good and perfect will.

 

For God does not give,

a spirit of fear;

but one of power,

as we choose draw near.

His Spirit is love,

and self-discipline;

to show us the way,

and keep us from sin.

Each time we choose love,

and set aside fear;

we show those in need,

how the Lord is near.

Lord, make us each bold,

strong in Your great might;

so we may run well,

and fight the good fight.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You did not give us a spirit of timidity, but rather You give us a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Thank You that as we embrace Your Spirit within us, You accomplish amazing things both in us and through us. Thank You that we have the privilege of joining with You on our journey, and that it is Your joy to help us grow. Forgive us for our fearfulness and lack of love or self-discipline. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may be bold in Your power, and consistent in our faithful investment in You and Your created. Lead us to love others as You intend us to love. May many come into a saving relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we let go of our fears and embrace Your power and love through consistent time spent with You. Amen.

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

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23