The Skies Proclaim His Handiwork

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. – (Psalm 19:1, NIV)

The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what His hands have made. – (Psalm 19:1, ERV)

The celestial realms announce God’s glory; the skies testify of His hands’ great work. – (Psalm 19:1, VOICE)

As I read this passage this morning, I could not help but recall all of the beautiful photos I have seen that friends and family took of the Aurora Borealis last week. If the beauty of the night sky’s light show isn’t a declaration of God’s glory, I don’t know what is. The variety of colors and lights and patterns all leave me awestruck at the work of His hands. Already, I am in awe when I witness a glorious sunrise or sunset, as each time I am reminded of God’s creativity and handiwork. Sadly, I did not see the light show for myself, as I am an “early to bed, early to rise” sort of girl. It is still on my bucket list of things to see, but I am so thankful to have seen all of the captures of the glory in the sky. To see such beauty is to gaze at the work of God. I cannot fathom witnessing such glory and simply chalking it up to a freak of nature. God made the sun and the skies, and all are the work of His hands. Incredibly, the same is true of all of us, His created. We too, are His handiwork, designed to display His glory through our love. May we ever seek the Lord and recognize the glory of who He is, for as the skies above proclaim His goodness to all who look up, so too should we.

The glory of God,

Photo courtesy of my sister’s post. ❤

is on clear display;

we need to look up,

to see all He’s made.

The sun and the stars,

the mountains and seas;

all living creatures,

He called each to be.

With purpose, each formed,

the work of His hands;

all crafted in love,

each part of His plan.

Let us give Him thanks,

and all of our praise;

for all He has made,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the heavens declare Your glory and the skies announce all that Your hands have made. Forgive us for the times that we have not paused to praise You for all of the good that we can see. Teach us to recognize Your glory in every created thing, for all that Your hands have made have purpose. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for all that Your hands have made, and stand in awe and wonder as we witness Your glory all around us. Amen.

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

“I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” – Luke 19:40

Higher Ways

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)

You can no more predict the path of the wind than you can explain how a child’s bones are formed in a mother’s womb. Even more, you will never understand the workings of the God who made all things. – (Ecclesiastes 11:5, VOICE)

These words of wisdom, recorded by King Solomon, remind us that we cannot know and understand all of the ways of God. However, we can know that all of His ways are good, and choose to trust in the One who made us. As we follow Him, though we know not where the path will lead, we can follow His direction, knowing that He will lead us where we are meant to go. So often, what we hoped for is not how things turn out, yet most often, it is far better than we could have imagined. His ways are higher than our ways, and He knows the outcome far beyond what we can see. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He is good and His love lasts forever.

As we can’t predict,

the ways the wind blows;

nor are we able,

to know what God knows.

We know He is good,

so we can choose trust;

the One who made us,

and sent us Jesus.

His ways are higher,

than things on our own;

God’s grace and goodness,

ever He makes known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are far greater than we can comprehend. Thank You that Your ways are higher than ours, and that You are for us, not against us. Forgive us for thinking we can tell You which way things ought to be, and for not trusting You as we should in all things. Grow us in our trust and understanding of Your faithfulness, even when we do not see or understand how things could work out on the path we are asked to follow. Show us how to love those around us, even when love does not make sense. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to trust You, even when we cannot see nor fathom a resolution in what lies ahead. Amen.

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

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

Intentionally Made

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV)

You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because You made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! – (Psalm 139:13-14, ERV)

For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath. I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. – (Psalm 139:13-14, VOICE)

It is a good reminder that we were created on purpose and with a purpose, and that God planned out each detail of who we are for a reason. In fact, the example set before us is to praise and thank the Lord for how He made us. There are no exceptions to this. The way that we each were made is wonderful, and for that, we ought to praise Him. What we consider our “flaws” may be the very thing that helps us connect with someone else so that they may be encouraged and built up, and shown the goodness of God. My mom did an amazing job of telling me and my sister that our red hair was a gift from God. In fact, when I was still quite young, a lady in a grocery store asked me where I got my pretty red hair. Apparently I looked at her as if it were the silliest question ever, and confidently told her, “from God.” She smiled and went on her way. As we age, our bodies change and it can be easy to become discouraged and frustrated. This passage is our reminder that He made us, and rather than being annoyed with the changes we dislike, we ought to care well for the temple so that we are as strong and healthy as possible. In the same way we need to nourish our soul, so too we ought to nourish our bodies. As we are fueled well, both body and soul, we discover the strength and goodness in all that His hands have made and we are better able to praise Him in all things. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and give Him praise for the way that He purposely made each of us.

With purpose we’re made,

each detail He planned;

the work of His hands,

so in Him we’d stand.

All of our being,

was designed by Him;

heart, mind and body,

and soul that’s within.

There’s only one you,

and only one me;

purposefully made,

to live, love and be.

So let us seek Him,

and give Him our praise;

and choose to love well,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are each uniquely and wonderfully made. Thank You for the work of Your hands that formed us before we took our first breath. Thank You for life and for purpose, for You made each of us to live and love well. Forgive us for the times that we fixate on our flaws or shortcomings instead of praising You for what we have. Teach us to care well for what we have and to praise You as we live and love the way that You intended. Lead us in Your goodness and grace to be a light and love to those around us each day. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the way that You designed us and for the purpose You placed on each of our lives. Amen.

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

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Blessings of Strength and Peace

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)

Mondays tend to require a bit of extra strength, especially as we roll into the last several weeks of school and state testing. Kids are anxious about testing and amped up about the warmer weather, and school staff members are enlisted to try to keep it all together. It is easy to forget that this is the struggle each spring. Perhaps because He provides the strength we need for each new day, or because He provides His peace and once it is all done, we have a four-day weekend coming to rest and recover. Incredibly, God gives peace and strength in the midst of chaos, and brings calm to our hearts, even if all around us is not. Each day is new, and we have another opportunity to rely on His strength to carry us, and His peace to be present. As we seek Him, God is faithful to meet us anew. This morning, though I know it will be a long week of testing and two volleyball games this week, as well as a quick trip to Oregon at the end, I bounded out of bed to feed our dogs and spend time in His word. Every morning, He is faithful to meet me and show me His goodness and grace. His love overwhelms me and His peace is present in the still. quiet hours of the morning. Before the sun rises, He is here. As the light of dawn appears, He remains near. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and peace, for He is faithful in all things and at all times as we trust in Him.

The Lord is our strength,

throughout each new day;

His peace, made present,

as we walk His way.

He leads and guides us,

in His tender care;

He helps and holds us,

always, ev’rywhere.

God’s grace and goodness,

provide what we need;

to keep pressing on,

wherever He leads.

So trust in the Lord,

our strength and our peace;

ever we praise Him,

as love is increased.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You supply strength and peace as we navigate each new day. Thank You that Your goodness and love lead us in the ways we are meant to go. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances or situations to take our eyes off of You. Teach us to look to You to lead and provide. Guide us in Your goodness and grace so that we might love those around us as You intend. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the strength and peace that You provide, and Your grace and goodness that guide us as we go. Amen.

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

How great are Your works, Lord, how profound Your thoughts! – Psalm 92:5

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

Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Love

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ. – (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)

Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. – (Ephesians 4:32, VOICE)

Being kind, compassionate and loving requires an intentional decision to extend what we have been given by God to those around us. We always have a choice as to how we will interact and respond to one another. Each time we choose kindness and compassion, we help another feel loved. Forgiveness is necessary, for we are told that we must forgive as we have been forgiven. We need Jesus to forgive this way, and must turn to Him for help again and again. As one who has received kindness, compassion and love when I have needed it most, I am compelled to seek the Lord to help me do likewise. The same is true with forgiveness. There are times I fall short and need to ask forgiveness for lacking the grace I needed to give. Likewise, there are situations and circumstances where we may have to choose to forgive again and again, as unforgiveness tries to creep and create bitterness. What seems to help the most is to not only forgive (meaning releasing the right to revenge or hold onto the hurt) and instead place all in God’s hands. It does not mean that we give people a pass to mistreat us, but rather we let go of the weight that unforgiveness creates in our heart and give it to God so that we can move on. Incredibly, when I slow down and seek to understand, I find that kindness and compassion rise up within me and I am better able to love. God is faithful to meet us as we seek Him, and He will equip us to love as He loves when we ask and depend on Him. May we ever seek the Lord to help us be compassionate and kind, extending love and forgiveness to all with whom we interact.

In love, we are called,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

to seek God for all;

to give as He gives,

as grace He installs.

He gives compassion,

forgiveness and grace;

His love, unending,

throughout all our days.

He asks us the same,

to do as He does;

so His grace is known,

may all be in love.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to always be kind;

extend compassion,

it’s what You’ve in mind.

Forgive each other,

as He’s done for us;

may love ever lead,

to do as He does.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love. Thank You that as we ask, You meet us where we are and show us Your goodness and grace that sets us free. Forgive us for the times that we have been lacking in any of these. Teach us to rely on You to provide what we need to extend the good You give, and to release the anger, hurt or frustration so that we can forgive as You forgive us. Show us how to love with kindness and compassion for all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to lead us in You love in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:4-5

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

Set Free

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. – (Romans 8:1-2, NIV)

So now anyone who is in Christ Jesus is not judged guilty. That is because in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free. It made you free from the law that brings sin and death. – (Romans 8:1-2, ERV)

Therefore, now no condemnation awaits those who are living in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, because when you live in the Anointed One Jesus, a new law takes effect. The law of the Spirit of life breathes into you and liberates you from the law of sin and death. – (Romans 8:1-2, VOICE)

When we live in Christ, we are covered and cleansed by His sacrifice for us. Our confession before Him and our decision to trust in Him and walk in His ways sets us free from the grips of sin and death. In Him, we have life and freedom to live in His love. The more we walk with Him, the greater our understanding of what He has done for us grows, and thusly, so too does our desire to walk in His way and do His will. We are an ongoing work in progress, yet His loving kindness for us is eternal and unchanging. Because of His mercy and grace, there is a place for us in His kingdom and we are welcomed into His family. May we ever seek Him to lead us in His love and trust in Him to cover us in His goodness and grace that grants us life and sets us free from the death we deserve.

No condemnation,

when we are in Christ;

forgiven and free,

He makes all things right.

As we choose confess,

He washes us clean;

covered, forgiven,

in Him, we’re redeemed.

Lead us, Lord Jesus,

to walk in Your ways;

to love and forgive,

as You do, always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because of Jesus, we are no longer condemned for our sin and shame, but rather we are forgiven and set free so that we can live and love as You intended. Forgive us for every time that we have fallen short in word, thought and deed. Teach us to walk in Your ways and live out Your love through all things. Show us how to love those around us best, so that they too, may know of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to lead us and love because we are free in You. Amen.

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

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36

Be Full of Grace

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV)

Be wise in the way you act with those who are not believers. Use your time in the best way you can. When you talk, you should always be kind and wise. Then you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. – (Colossians 4:5-6, ERV)

Be wise when you engage with those outside the faith community; make the most of every moment and every encounter. When you speak the word, speak it gracefully (as if seasoned with salt), so you will know how to respond to everyone rightly. – (Colossians 4:5-6, VOICE)

Our job, as believers, is to be different from those who are not. We are called to love, and doing all things with love makes our words and actions a reflection of His love when we choose to abide in Him and walk in His way. Wisdom shows us when to speak and when to remain silent, and how to be kind in all circumstances. There are times it is seemingly impossible to be wise and kind, and often, that is our charge to keep our mouth shut and walk away until we can be kind and respond rightly. If our kindness, wisdom and love has been consistent, there will be something different about us that draws people in. Continual investment in time with God is what prepares our hearts and minds to respond as He intended in each encounter. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us in His wisdom and grace so that we can be kind and gracious in every interaction with those around us.

Choose to seek the Lord,

the Lord God, Most High;

who leads and guides us,

to do all things right.

For right is with love,

in everything;

with grace and wisdom,

His goodness we bring.

We all need Jesus,

to choose love like this;

but each time we do,

we show we are His.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good and that Your kindness and grace hold us in the hollow of Your hands. Thank You that You call us to seek You to grow in wisdom and grace so that we might love everyone as You do. Forgive us for the times that we have reacted out of our own resolve rather than responding as You call us to respond. Show us how to love in all things and give us the wisdom to know how to answer everyone. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead and guide us in Your love and to be gracious and kind in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us… – Isaiah 63:7a

Connect in Community

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. – (James 5:16, HCSB)

So always tell each other the wrong things you have done. Then pray for each other. Do this so that God can heal you. Anyone who lives the way God wants can pray, and great things will happen. – (James 5:16, ERV)

Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. – (James 5:16, MSG)

This is yet another reason we are called to be in community. We are called to confess to one another and pray together so that we can be forgiven and free. A sense of community is created when we have others whom we can trust and care for, and help hold each other accountable. Such connection helps us live right, and God hears and responds accordingly in His power, goodness and grace. This does not mean we need to shout our shortcomings from the rooftops, but rather we ought to have a small circle whom we trust and can be completely real and transparent. In turn, we are meant to hold each other up and cover one another in prayer. As we do, we see God move in mighty ways. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to be in community where we can confess to each other and pray for one another, and see God move in mighty ways.

We all need people,

that we know and trust;

share life together,

and live as we must.

We need others whom,

we trust and are real;

to share in all things,

confess, pray and heal.

For God has promised,

where two or more meet;

He will be present,

until all’s complete.

So, trust in the Lord,

invest in the ones;

trusted, like-minded,

so God’s will is done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to community and transparency. Thank You that as we seek You, You provide those in whom we can confide. Thank You that You designed us to partner together to confess and pray so that we may see Your power made tangible as You move on our behalf, according to Your will. Forgive us for the times that we have hidden our faults or have isolated ourselves when You already see and know. Teach us to trust You and show us who to trust around us. Lead us in Your love to care well and connect authentically with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to right relationships that create a community as intended by You. Show us Your power as we confess and pray and seek to live Your way. Amen.

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

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