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

Strength Through Freshly Fallen Snow

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

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

I love You, Eternal One, source of my power. – (Psalm 18:1, VOICE)

 

God knows what we need, when we need it most. Last evening, as the Superbowl was being played, snowflakes began to fall outside of our living room window. It seemed to be just a whisper of snow at first, as the weather wavered back and forth between rain and snow. By the time the game had ended, the snow was beginning to stick to the grass, trees and cars parked outside. A delayed start would shorten my day, and provide a bit more time for me to rest. I woke multiple times in the night, courtesy of my lovely cough, and at 1:00 am, glanced at my phone to check the time. To my surprise, there was a text alert that our district had determined a two-hour delayed start time. Not only am I blessed by the beauty of a blanket of newly fallen snow covering everything outdoors, but I am strengthened knowing that I have a shorter day and a bit more time to rest. God is so good, and His love grants us the strength that we need. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength in all things and at all times.

 

I love You, Lord God,

You grant me Your strength;

To overcome all,

Each height and each length.

For You are faithful,

No matter what comes;

Your promised presence,

‘til each day is done.

May we ever know,

The help You’ve given;

Your strength, love and grace,

Equip right living.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your overwhelming love that strengthens us in all things. Thank You for Your grace that surrounds us like freshly fallen snow. Forgive us for concerning ourselves with worry about how things will work out, for You are for us, not against us. Show us how to love those around us in a way that builds strength and hope where it is absent. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. We love You Lord, and are so grateful for the help that You provide. Be glorified O God, as we give You praise for the wondrous ways You strengthen us when we need it most. Amen.

 

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

 

As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater.  – Isaiah 55:10

My Love and My Strength

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

Lord, how I love You! For You have done such tremendous things for me. – (Psalm 18:1, TLB)

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

 

The verse speaks for itself, as David is a dude to whom I can relate. This past week has been one of the busiest weeks of the year thus far. Monday, semester grades were due and it was the first day of gymnastics season. (I am the head coach at my school) Tuesday, after a full day of teaching and coaching, I rushed home to make dinner for my boys, and then was blessed with an evening at a hockey game. Wednesday, I had early morning practice, another full day of teaching, afternoon staff meetings, followed by time with my boys, and then errand running with my dear friend. By the time I had arrived home on Wednesday afternoon, the beginning of a migraine had taken root. Thursday, I woke and was greeted by a pounding headache still, but did not have a “tap out” option in my week, so I had to trust the Lord to provide the strength I needed to teach, participate in team collaboration, function during my mid-year evaluation, coach, and arrive safely home. I was able to get outside for a long walk, followed by a quieter evening at home. Friday found its arrival with the migraine still in place, so another day of trusting and leaning in happened here. Thankfully, I was able to reach my chiropractor and friend, and she ordered her schedule to meet me at the office after practice, to adjust, as misalignment often contributes to the pain. At last, after three days, I had relief. He had done tremendous things for me to sustain, and then provide way for real relief. It is amazing how God demonstrates His strength in our weakness, and further shows us how worthy of love He is, as He loves us so well. May we let our love for the Lord lead us, as we trust Him to be our strength.

 

Lord, how I love You,

For all that You are;

How You provide strength,

You’re never too far.

When we call on You,

You hear each request;

You grant us the strength,

To navigate best.

I can’t even count,

The most wondrous things;

Each act of Your love,

My reasons to sing.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, I love You and am so thankful for who You are and how You love. You are my strength in weakness, and my hope and help, as I need You to navigate my days well. Forgive me for the times that I attempt to power through without seeking You. Teach me to trust You more, so that I would seek You in all things and at all times, and recognize the tremendous things that You do for me each day. Show me how to love well, those around me, so that they might gain glimpses of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we love You with our lives, and trust You to be our strength. 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