Navigating the Unknown

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, NIV)

You don’t know where the wind blows. And you don’t know how a baby grows in its mother’s womb. In the same way, you don’t know what God will do – and He makes everything happen. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, ERV)

Just as you’ll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, so you’ll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, MSG)

God’s ways are not our ways, and His plans are not like ours. There are times that we cannot possibly see the purpose in what we go through, nor how the path we are on could lead to what He intended. Even so, God is good. His timing is not our own, and His ways are far higher. It is a matter of choosing to trust, even when we cannot see, for despite all things, He is good. The Lord cares about every detail of our lives. He knows how many hairs are on our heads, and the strengths and talents that He intentionally placed within us. Often, what we go through, provides the opportunity to discover strength we did not know was possible, and how to hold fast to hope. When I was young, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. As I grew up, some of the class requirements steered me in a different direction. The one in particular, was a speech class. Rather than dig deep and suck it up, I chose to become an art major with an English minor. Graphic design was a delight, and I learned and grew in a variety of mediums. Once I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree, I found my way to Montana as a YWAMer (Youth With A Mission), and ended up spending the next three years in and out of Asia. Ironically, (or as God designed) I ended up having to do much public speaking during that season. God called me back home to go back to school and fulfill my teaching credentials. Upon graduation from my Master’s program, I was hired to teach World Geography at my own former middle school. God had prepared my heart to have a passion for learning about new cultures, after I had experienced so much in the years prior. Additionally, I was granted the gift of coaching gymnastics, which I had done during high school and college, both as a job and joyful passion. Throughout my career thus far, I have had the opportunity to teach art and English as well. I know not where each new experience will lead, but I know that I can trust God to be with me. May we ever embrace each new path we are called to take and trust that God will lead us through. He is good, and He knows the desires of our hearts and the plan and purpose intended for each of us, individually.

No one truly knows,

Where the Lord will lead;

He grants us His strength,

As His will we heed.

Detours and trials,

And paths still unknown;

Each with a purpose,

As His grace is shown.

Even in heartache,

We grow and we learn;

He loves us through all,

To Him may we turn.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we cannot possibly know or understand all of Your ways, You are faithful to lead us and grow us through all. Thank You that as we depend on You, You use every experience for good. Forgive us for our fears and doubts in the spaces that we never thought we would be. Teach us to trust You completely, for Your plans are perfect. Show us how to love those around us in ways that offer strength, hope and peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your unfailing love to lead us as we navigate each step that You bring us to take. Amen.

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

Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us. – Isaiah 26:12

Rely on His Love

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. – (1 John 4:16, NIV)

So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them. – (1 John 4:16, ERV)

We have come into an intimate experience with God’s love, and we trust in the love He has for us. God is love! Those who are living in love are living in God, and God lives through them. – (1 John 4:16, TPT)

 

Today we will have the opportunity to visit with Mark’s mom’s side of the family. We are going to meet his aunt and a cousin and family for breakfast, and will spend more time with his mom’s sister again this afternoon, prior to returning to the airport to fly home this evening. There is much love and nostalgia in this place for my Viking, as he spent the first seven years of his life here. His aunt and mom are very close, making the love between them tender too. Just as God has loved us so well, and granted us opportunities to be present to see and love family, may we move forward, living in the very same love, so that God’s love is made evident to all.

Mom, Meg and family are doing well, as they are preparing for Monday’s new beginnings with the addition of in-home therapies. They ended the week with a night out all-together, and it is wonderful to hear and know that mom is enjoying time out to dinner and being out of the home again, this has taken some time and adjustment.

 

The great love of God,

Indeed’s trustworthy;

For He defines love,

All it embodies.

If we live in love,

Likewise, we’re in God;

For He’ll live through us,

Graciously responds.

Live well in the Lord,

Extend love to all;

To live life with love,

We need heed God’s call.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the love that You freely give. Thank You that as we seek You, we are found by You. Thank You that the more we love, the more there is to give. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would be Your ambassadors of love and peace and grace wherever we go. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your love to love others well. Amen.

 

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

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

Modeled Love

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – (Galatians 5:13, NIV)

My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. – (Galatians 5:13, ERV)

Brothers and sisters, God has called you to freedom! Hear the call, and do not spoil this gift by using your liberty to engage in what your flesh desires; instead, use it to serve each other as Jesus taught through love. – (Galatians 5:13, VOICE)

 

Yesterday, we reached an impasse, and recognized that we had to make the final decision as to where mom would land next, as her stay at the acute rehabilitation facility comes to a close near the end of this month. After asking mom what she most wanted, watching how the familiarity of home made such a dramatic difference in her ability to recall information through an activity during speech therapy, and hearing from various therapists how often patients’ recovery accelerates by leaps and bounds in their own familiar settings, it became evident that her home was where she needed to be next. This is where the choosing to serve one another humbly in love comes in; for it is neither an easy nor convenient choice for either my sister or me. Megan has the obstacle of a seven-hour journey if she drives, a crazy, busy schedule at home with work and family, and the heartache of being away from mom whenever she needs to be home. For myself, I am still in my first year of a new marriage, raising two teenage sons, finishing their junior year, attempting to coordinate sub plans and grading from three hours from home, and seeking to maintain balance and normalcy in both spaces. Both Meg and I would not have it any other way. The words penned by Paul the Apostle, were modeled by mom throughout our entire lives. It is a simple decision to make, despite the logistical challenges. Additionally, we are overwhelmingly blessed and supported by our spouses, children, families, friends, and our extended communities – both near and far. The outpouring of love and support, both prayerfully and through notes and messages, has been an incredible blessing, and often just what was needed at the moment it was needed most.

As for mom specifically, she is continuing to make great gains. Her speech and language retrieval is phenomenally fast, but is more difficult by day’s end when she is tired. Physically, she is building more strength every day, and more and more movement is coming along. It is a painfully slow process, but it is happening. She would love to just jump up and take off running, but even as babies, we must first learn to crawl, then stand, then wobble and scoot, before we ever take steps. For a growing infant, the process takes the entire first year. Mom is making tremendous strides toward walking again, and it has not quite been a month yet. So often it is a matter of keeping it all in perspective.

For those who are walking alongside us in prayer, these are our present petitions before our Savior: for a smooth transition home, for protection from fear, protection physically, emotionally, and spiritually, against discouragement, for total and complete healing, for strength, for patience, for calendars and schedules to align easily, for grace, balance and wisdom, for her incredible community to continue to be patient about visiting until she is ready, as it needs to be in her time.

 

Jesus set us free,

And gave us a choice;

To choose for ourselves,

Use heart, mind and voice.

Our purpose is more,

Than our own desire;

But rather to love,

Sacrifice, inspire.

Just as we are loved,

By He who gave all;

So we ought to give,

As we heed His call.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son and showing us what it means to choose to love and serve freely. Thank You for the treasured gift of our mom, who has modeled the same for us throughout our entire lives. Forgive us for the times that we have chosen to indulge our own selfish desires, rather than love like You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we choose to love and serve in the same way that You have always done for us. Show us how to love those around us as You would. Especially direct our steps as we prepare to bring mom back to her own home. May those around us who do not know You yet, come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to serve in love, just as You have modeled for us through Your Son and those that You have strategically placed in our lives. Amen.

 

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

 

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10

 

The Will of the Word

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. – (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. – (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ERV)

Every Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good. – (2 Timothy 3:16-17, CEB)

 

Instruction manuals make navigation through uncharted territory manageable. Whether it is a map to aid in finding a destination, directions as to how to construct something new, or simply a set of expectations and guidelines in a place of employment, each serves a purpose to provide necessary information to navigate successfully. The Bible has the same purpose for our everyday lives. There are so many things that we stumble upon that may at first appear uncertain, yet when we seek the Lord and read His word, we soon discover that there is a direction that we are meant to go with all things. Despite having been written so many generations ago, the lessons we can glean from Scriptures are timeless. May we ever turn to the Lord in trust, and invest time in His word so that we will know how we are meant to live well.

 

May we turn in trust, 

To God and His word;

To know what is right,

To test what is heard.

For Holy Scriptures,

Are useful indeed;

To teach and to train,

To His will, we heed.

Let us keep seeking,

What God has to say;

So we may do well,

And walk in His way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Thank You that we can turn to You and read Your Word to know how to live according to Your will. Thank You that all Scripture is given by You to help us live well. Forgive us for neglecting to invest time in Your word, or for ignoring the truth that we know. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would hear all that You say and walk in Your way, as we are equipped to do good work. Show us how to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest time in Your Word, and allow You to train us and equip us to do good things according to Your perfect will. Amen.

 

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

 

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Listen to Live in Peace

But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. – (Proverbs 1:33, NLT)

But those who listen to Me will live in safety and comfort. They will have nothing to fear. – (Proverbs 1:33, ERV)

 

Just as little children are kept safe by following the instruction of their loving parents, so too are we protected as we heed the direction of our Heavenly Father. The Lord loves us and longs to bless and keep His children safe from harm. It is up to us to listen for His instruction, and then walk in obedience to that which He asks. God goes before us and walks beside us as we seek and trust in Him. There is nothing to fear when we know the Lord is near. May we experience God’s perfect peace as we listen to His leading, and choose to obey all He asks of us.

 

Provider of peace,

All help comes from Him;

And fear’s sent to flight,

When we let Christ in.

As we choose listen,

His comfort is ours;

Power to protect,

Wherever we are.

Choose seek to listen,

And then too, obey;

His safety surrounds,

As we walk His way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You and listen to You, You grant us Your peace and protect us from fear of harm. Thank You that You are our comfort and provider of peace. Forgive us for not seeking You or listening for Your voice when trouble comes our way. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would look to You in all things and at all times, knowing that You are our source of safety and comfort, and in You, we need not fear. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers comfort and peace for troubled hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen and obey Your leading for our lives. Amen.

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5

Thankful in All Circumstances

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

No matter what comes, we have reason to give thanks to God. Our gratitude ought not be dependent on our circumstances, but rather on who God is, and that we belong to Him. When we are able to express gratitude in the midst of difficulties, our witness to the world is far more powerful. Anyone can profess praise when times are good, but it is only by the grace of God that we are able to truly have a thankful heart when times are tough. May we begin each day with a heart full of thanks, regardless of what we face; for God is good and we are walking in His will when we choose to give our gratitude unto Him.

No matter what comes,

let our hearts give praise;

endless offering,

for all of our days.

Because we belong,

to the Lord of all;

in each circumstance,

may we heed His call.

We’re called to give thanks,

because God is good;

and when we do so,

His truth’s understood.

All thanks be to God,

our Savior and King;

to whom we belong,

with grateful hearts, sing.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for every moment that You grant us in this life, no matter what it includes. Thank You that You do not waste even one second, even the painful ones, for those who belong to You. Thank You that You show us more of You through every circumstance we encounter. When there is blessing, we see Your generosity. When there is struggle, we see Your comfort and provision that comes at just the right moment. Thank You that every circumstance is used to draw us closer to You. Forgive us for not taking every opportunity given to offer our gratitude unto You, for in You we have our life and breath and very being. Teach us to trust You more, so that thanks and praise become a natural outpouring from our hearts, each time we come before You or mention Your Name. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too, may see that all blessings flow from You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose gratitude in all circumstances because we belong to You. 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

Our Safe Place Forever

So trust in the Lord always, because in the Lord you have a place of safety forever. – (Isaiah 26:4, ERV)

Though our basic human needs are food, water, shelter and clothing, I think that emotionally, we all have a natural need for safety and security within us. Safety is often sought in a variety of spaces, but is never truly found until we trust in the Lord. In Christ, we find the promises of God. There is nothing quite so safe nor secure as the promised hope of eternity with Christ. As we trust in the Lord, our assurance in His nearness increases, and we know that we are safe in Him. May we trust in the Lord always, and be ever aware of our place of safety in Him.

Let’s trust in the Lord,

meets us in our need;

He is our safe place,

where all fear must heed.

Secure in His love,

because He is good;

His promises true,

and hope understood.

We need not worry,

nor give way to fear;

for Christ is with us,

always He is near.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can trust in You always, and that You are our place of safety forever. Thank You that no matter what comes, we have the promise of our eternity secured in You. Forgive us for our fearfulness and doubt when life gets tumultuous and overwhelming, and help us to trust You more, so that we will seek You and rely on You in all things and at all times. Lead us to love others well, so that they too may come to know the safety and security found in Your love and grace. May many choose to receive the hope held in Your embrace. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You to be our safe place forever, and live our lives accordingly. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

Obey and Watch

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. – (Luke 1:15)

God spoke a promise to John the Baptist’s parents before he was born. The fulfillment came quickly, and it was obvious that God was doing mighty things, even from the very announcement of John’s pending arrival. In the middle portion of the verse, God had specific requirements for his parents to obey, in order to lead and guide John in the way in which he, specifically, was to go. God is God, and would have moved mightily with or without their obedience, yet I imagine because they chose to obey, the fullness of His promise was fulfilled. I think the same holds true for us. God is good, and His promises are yes and amen. However, when there is an instruction for us given, followed by an and “something shall be done“, it is in our best interest to obey. God does not make us jump through hoops, but He does direct our steps in a certain and specific direction so that we will discover the very best path that He has prepared for us. When we do what He asks of us, we see Him move mightily, in spite of us. May we choose to walk in obedience to all that God asks, and watch expectantly for the wonder of how He will move.

God sees each of us,

as great in His eyes;

not for what we’ve done,

but hope realized.

Because we are His,

with purpose and plan;

let us seek His face,

so we understand.

When clarity comes,

let’s choose to obey;

His miracles move,

when walking His way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and valuing us each, individually. Thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for each of us, and that You are willing to lead and guide us in the ways in which we are meant to go. Thank You that as we heed Your direction, You move in ways we could not have even begun to fathom. Forgive us for neglecting to do what You call us to do, and teach us to trust You more, so that we will immediately act on the things that You lead us to do. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they may clearly see You through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we obey that which You ask of us, and trust You completely. Amen.

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

To Mirror Our Maker

Make every effort,

to keep short account;

submit sin to God,

no matter amount.

It’s not where we’ve been,

but where we are now.

Are we submitted?

Do Christ we allow?

The last shall be first,

for patience endures;

trust in our Savior,

His Spirit assures.

Reach out to the lost,

share with those in need;

love well each other,

His word we must heed.

It’s impossible,

to please Christ the Lord;

without faith in Him,

hope we must afford.

Let Love lead the way,

to all be it done;

kindness and mercy,

reflecting the Son.

May each heart soon hear,

“My child, well done;”

as we each reflect,

the glorious One.

 

(Responding to Luke 13:22-30)
 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show us the way unto Yourself.  We need only to receive Your grace as we turn from our wicked ways, and allow Your Spirit to renew our hearts and minds.  Teach us to fully submit to You, Savior; and help us to obey all that You ask.  Forgive us for withholding any area of our lives from Your grace, and show us how to allow Your healing hand to touch every part.  As we trust You to renew and equip us, help us to reach out and love others in such a way, that they see You in us.  May many come to call You Savior and King, as we give to You our lifelong offering.  Amen.

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

Purposeful Patience

image by Amy Cooper

Young son of Jesse,

stood dripping in oil.

Saul’s torment began,

rebellion’s recoil.

God chose not by looks,

the one He’d have lead.

He looked at the heart,

willingness to heed.

The irony great,

as Saul sent for one,

to play him the harp,

received Jesse’s son.

Young David drew near,

his harp brought relief,

to Saul’s suffering,

glimpse of grace in his grief.

Saul did not yet know,

that God did appoint,

this calming young man,

the king of His choice.

(Responding to 1 Samuel 16)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that our usefulness is not determined by our outward appearance, but rather You look straight to our hearts.  Help us to keep our hearts right before You, so that we are ever willing and ready to respond as You ask.  Forgive us for our impatience in the wait between the time a promise is spoken, and the fulfillment.  Thank You that Your timing is perfect, and ours is not.  May we have patience like David had, as he knew he had been anointed to lead a nation, but his time had not yet come.  He was faithful to listen and learn all of the lessons that You had for him in the wait.  May we be like that too.  May our patience and perseverance point the way to You, our Prince of Peace, for those who know You not.  Amen.

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