Let Thanks Rise

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. – (Psalm 28:7, NIV)

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trusted Him with all my heart. He helped me, so I am happy. I sing songs of praise to Him. – (Psalm 28:7, ERV)

The Eternal is the source of my strength and the shield that guards me. When I learn to rest and truly trust Him, He sends His help. This is why my heart is singing! I open my mouth to praise Him, and thankfulness rises as song. – (Psalm 28:7, VOICE)

God provides exactly what we need when we need it most. This morning, as I woke and let the dogs out, there was the sweet scent of morning rain and moisture covering the deck. To me, this means that the insane amount of pollen in the air will be washed away, and the parched ground will be quenched. Additionally, I had the opportunity to take an extended weekend with my Viking and my sub-requested position was filled. For the first time that I can remember in my 26-year career, I am taking a wellness day to enjoy, rather than to rush to appointments, or respond to a familial need. This is simply a day for my well-being, as an escape with my love is exactly what my heart has needed through this busy season. When we return, there will only be seven days of school remaining – one full five-day week, followed by a three-day weekend, and then a day and a half more with students. My heart is indeed singing, as it has been a long haul to navigate all of the new that this school year has provided. I am thankful for the lessons and opportunities to expand my repertoire as an educator, yet the close of the school year has come at just the right time. I know not what next year will hold, but I am eternally grateful for the season of rest that is coming. God is good, and He is faithful always. May we ever trust Him to be our strength and shield, and to be the reason we have praise and joy in our hearts.

My strength and my shield,

the Lord is so good;

His grace, my portion,

His love understood.

Through understanding,

there rises up joy;

a heart full of praise,

gratitude, my choice.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for goodness and grace;

strength and safe harbor,

throughout all my days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength and shield, our help and our hope, and our reason to give praise. Thank You that we can trust in You and know the goodness of Your love. Forgive us for not giving proper praise to You, as You are our source and supply of all that is good. Show us how to give You praise throughout all of our days, as You are our joy each new morning. Lead us to love those around us as You do, so that all may experience Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You with grateful hearts for Your provision and Your peace as Your presence is made known. Amen.

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

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:9

Take Heart

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – (John 16:33, NIV)

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in Me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” – (John 16:33, ERV)

“I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.” – (John 16:33, VOICE)

It is good to be reminded that we are not promised a problem-free life, but we are promised the presence of He who has overcome every obstacle that will come our way. We need not worry or be fearful, yet we ought not be surprised when challenges come our way. To “take heart” is such a visual phrase for me – it is a sort of placing His heart over mine to protect, lead, and love through all that comes my way. As we give Jesus our heart, He gives us His. His heart is one of love, strength, courage, and resolve. May we ever “take heart” and seek the Lord, for He is our peace through every trial and trouble that comes our way.

Take heart in the Lord,

choose trust in His ways;

they aren’t trouble-free,

He’s present always.

He comes alongside,

and grants us His peace;

His strength, provided,

as fear we release.

For He is much more,

than we’ll ever face;

His love is stronger,

and endless, His grace.

So, trust in the Lord,

be brave and take heart;

His love will lead us,

wherever we start.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us to depend on You in all things and at all times, and that You are trustworthy so that we may indeed, “take heart” in You. Forgive us for our fearfulness and lack of faith when troubles come. Teach us to trust You more so that we quickly “take heart” and know Your peace in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that build courage and promote peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we “take heart” in You and stand steady in Your perfect peace. Amen.

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

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

Purposefully Placed

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. – (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, NIV)

Now brothers and sisters, we ask you to recognize the value of those who work hard among you – those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live. Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do. – (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, ERV)

Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show appreciation to those who are working hard among you and those who are your leaders as they guide and instruct you in the Lord – they are priceless. When you think about them, let it be with great love in your heart because of all the work they have done. Let peace live and reign among you. – (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, VOICE)

It is our charge to show appreciation and love to those who teach, guide, and walk alongside us in the Lord. For me, I have been overwhelmingly blessed with amazing pastors throughout my life. What many are unaware of is the energy and investment that they make behind the scenes. Pastors are so much more than the person at the pulpit on a Sunday morning. They are friends, spouses, parents, family, and are the faithful to come alongside during life’s highs and lows. Personally, through my most difficult seasons, pastors and leaders within the church have come along and walked beside me and have helped in tangible ways. I know this is the case for so many. If there is a birth, a death, a crisis, or a reason for celebration, pastors and leaders are at the ready to show up and love well. They are approachable and willing to answer questions and have candid conversations. I know not everyone has shared a similar experience, but one bad experience should not taint the view of all. So many love their families and communities well, and lead in a way that models a life in pursuit of God’s purpose for their lives. Though October is deemed Pastor Appreciation Month, it is good to appreciate pastoral people in our lives throughout the year. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to appreciate those whom He has called to hold pastoral positions, and may we hold them in high regard and live at peace with each other.

O Lord, please show us,

to appreciate;

those You have chosen,

to help bear the weight.

The weight of burdens,

and struggles in life;

blessed peacemakers,

who help settle strife.

Help us to love well,

as we have been called;

all thanks to You, Lord,

for those You’ve installed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the pastors and leaders whom You have purposefully placed in our lives. Thank You for the love, sacrifice and care that they make daily for their communities. Forgive us for not recognizing the blessings that they are, or for taking their goodness for granted. Show us how to appreciate those whom You’ve charged well, as we love and live in peace as You intended. Lead us to love those around us and those who lead us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they experience the goodness of Your grace for themselves. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love and appreciate well all those whom You have purposefully placed in our communities. Amen.

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

I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. – I Corinthians 1:4

True Peace

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – (John 14:27, NIV)

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t’ be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” – (John 14:27, ERV)

“That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left – feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” – (John 14:27, MSG)

These words were from Jesus to His disciples, as He was preparing them for what was about to transpire with the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. His peace is perfect, and in Him, we need not be troubled or afraid. In our frail humanity, fear and trouble enter in, but with Him, we need not wallow in either. Jesus has overcome everything we will ever face, and promises to be present with us as we walk forward in faith. Right now, this is my prayer for my mom as she continues to navigate the healing process from her broken hip and surgery that followed. Being in a space that is not her own, and being challenged to do physical therapy work that is difficult and painful is often overwhelming. My mom is the strongest woman I know, but I know it is only by God’s grace that she is strong. May we ever seek the Lord to provide His peace, and trust in Him to know that He is present and powerful as He provides what we need to keep pressing forward in faith.

Peace is a true gift,

From Jesus to us;

Quiet confidence,

Not just being “tough”.

It comes in knowing,

We’re not in control;

But our loving Lord,

Who soothes well our soul.

He shows us His peace,

Where challenges reign;

And grants us His grace,

As His hope we gain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You provide Your promised peace in ways that go far beyond what we could hope or imagine. Thank You that You supply strength and hope when we have none. Forgive us for our faltering faith as we navigate unknowns. Teach us to trust You more, as You are faithful to walk beside us and show us the ways we are meant to go. Lead us in Your peace to love those around us as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our peace in all things and at all times, and to trust in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

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

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

A Gentle Answer

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. – (Proverbs 15:1, ERV)

A tender answer turns away rage, but a prickly reply spikes anger. – (Proverbs 15:1, VOICE)

It doesn’t matter who you are or how old, when a temper is fired up, gentleness begins to defuse it. There is something about being given gentle kindness when fury flares that squelches the heat and brings the heart back to a more neutral space. It may not immediately bring the angry to sunshine and roses, but it does take away the reason to keep fanning the flames. As a middle school teacher, I have the opportunity to practice this daily. Most of the time, I am able to answer gently and whatever we are doing is able to continue. However, human nature can rear its ugly head at times, and the sarcasm screams to strike within me. Thankfully, our thoughts are not cartoon thought bubbles, and there is almost always time to self-edit prior to producing kindling or worse, gasoline, for the fire before us. We are all a work in progress, and it is a practice that must be utilized often to be on the forefront of how we respond rather than react. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to answer gently and respond tenderly when tempers are flaring before us.

O Lord, You are good,

And Your words are kind;

Despite how we come,

You have love in mind.

Your great tenderness,

Speaks straight to the heart;

If we choose listen,

The anger departs.

Show us Lord Jesus,

Again and again;

How to respond well,

Shine light from within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You respond to us gently and tenderly, no matter how we come. Thank You for the people in our lives whom You have given to show us how to love and respond like You. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked gentleness and tenderness in our response to others. Teach us to rely on You to lead us in Your love. Show us how to meet each person where they are at and leave them in a better space than before our interaction. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and rely on You to lead us in our every response to those around us. Amen.

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

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:5

Truly Listen

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – (James 1:19, NIV)

My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. – (James 1:19, ERV)

Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily, my brothers and sisters. – (James 1:19, VOICE)

This is one of the most challenging times of the school year, as the end is in sight, yet we are in the final push of State and District testing. Kids are weary and on edge, and behaviors that try a teacher’s patience are manifesting regularly. It is more important than ever that we are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Just yesterday, I had a student come to first period, clearly upset and off. I recognized that there was something wrong and provided space for the student to take time to reset and express the concerns she was carrying. Because I was slow to speak and did not become angry, I was able to listen and recognize that this was a child in front of me who had been facing adult problems the night prior at home. She needed kindness and concern, not orders to suck it up and get to work. Consequently, she actually was able to come into class and do her best, despite her circumstances. My response was not in my own humanity, but rather by God’s grace. He supplies what we need as we seek Him, but we must listen to His leading and do as He is asking. Our kids need covering, care and concern, not the cruelty and criticism they receive from many of their peers. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love those around us well, and may we ever be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

Lead us to listen,

so we truly hear;

the need around us,

Father, please be near.

Help us hold our tongue,

so we speak with care;

let Your love guide us,

and make us aware.

Aware of the need,

wherever we are;

God, show us Your heart,

and do not be far.

Grant us self-control,

keep anger in check;

let gentleness lead,

as love takes effect.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be  quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Thank You that You do not merely ask this of us, but You have modeled and equipped us to do likewise. Forgive us for the times our tempers have flared or our mouths have moved before we truly listened. Teach us to ever seek You to lead us in love as You have loved each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to help us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Amen.

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

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:18

A Good Neighbor

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. – (Romans 15:2, NIV)

But do what pleases them and is for their good. We should do whatever helps everyone grow stronger in faith. – (Romans 15:2, ERV)

Each of us must strive to please our neighbors, pursuing their welfare so they will become strong. – (Romans 15:2, VOICE)

How can we please our neighbors? I don’t know about you, but for me, a good neighbor is one who is kind and considerate. To help build up and grow stronger in faith requires a relationship. If we don’t know our neighbors, we cannot possibly build them up nor help them grow stronger in faith. Neighbors can be anyone we interact with daily. Interestingly, we seem to be in a day and age where we do not really know the people who live nearby in our neighborhoods. In our neighborhood growing up, we all knew each other and looked out for one another. Today, such a neighborhood is rare. My husband is good at this, as he knows everyone on our block and has a positive rapport with each of them. My “neighbors” are more the teachers in nearby classrooms, as most of my waking hours are spent there. Having worked at the same school my entire career thus far, I have the benefit of knowing my colleagues well. Though I do not see everyone each day, I have had positive interactions with them all at one time or another. Wherever we are and whatever we do, we can be good neighbors and build others up. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us and show us how to be pleasing to those around us so that our kindness and care points hearts to the One who loves us best.

Wherever we are,

Whatever we do;

We all have neighbors,

That we are called to.

Called to choose do good,

And love others well;

So that all may grow,

And in goodness dwell.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

How to be the ones;

That lift others up,

And care as You’ve done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be good neighbors that love well and consider those around us. Thank You that we can encourage others and help strengthen their faith as You work in and through us. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to be good neighbors in the spaces You have called us live and work and dwell. Teach us to trust You more and to follow the example that You have set before us. Lead us in Your love so that we may love our neighbors as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to love and care for those around us best. Amen.

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

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:14

Space Outdoors

Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with His disciples. – (John 6:3, NIV)

Jesus went up on the side of the hill and sat there with His followers. – (John 6:3, ERV)

Jesus went up a mountain and found a place to sit down and teach. His disciples gathered around. – (John 6:3, VOICE)

I know this is a rather odd verse to highlight, but it speaks volumes to me. This instance of Jesus finding a space outdoors to gather and teach His disciples was just prior to Him feeding the five thousand and walking on water. First, He found a place outdoors with a view. Not only could they see people coming and going, but I imagine there was quite a view of the water as well. Next, it was a place where they could all sit down together and talk. When Jesus taught, He used parables and questions. His questions challenged their understanding of the way the world works and was followed by Jesus showing them the power of God in action. Part of what Jesus asked the disciples was how they would feed the crowd that had followed them to where they were, that was far from any sort of market or town where they could buy bread. Additionally, the size of the coming crowd was far greater than their meager wages could afford to feed. Later, when the disciples brought Jesus what they had, it was miraculously multiplied to provide more than enough for all. Incredibly, Jesus still does the same for us. As we seek Him, spend time with Him, learn from His word and Spirit, He takes what we bring Him and multiplies it to bring far greater good than we could ever accomplish on our own. His economy is not our economy. May we ever find spaces to seek and commune with the Lord and offer Him what we have to use for the greater good. He is faithful and does far more than we could hope or imagine when we trust in Him.

Perhaps this is why,

When I am outside;

I feel connected,

Nearness realized.

All that He has made,

The work of His hands;

Show love and power,

We can’t understand.

His grace and goodness,

Out and on display;

Tangible presence,

We take in each day.

Lord, help us listen,

And choose look around;

Seek You to show us,

How Your love abounds.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing outdoor spaces to show us Your power, love and care. Everywhere we look, there is evidence of You. Forgive us for not being intentional to take in all that Your hands have made with awe and wonder. Show us the goodness and grace that You have placed all around us. Lead us in Your overwhelming and powerful love as we interact with others. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we spend time before You to listen to Your leading and take in the wonder of all that You are and all that You do. Amen.

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

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

The Gift of Grace

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. – (Romans 11:6, NIV)

And if He chose them by grace, then it is not what they have done that made them His people. If they could be made His people by what they did, His gift of grace would not really be a gift. – (Romans 11:6, ERV)

Grace is central in God’s action here, and it has nothing to do with deeds prescribed by the law. If it did, grace would not be grace. – (Romans 11:6, VOICE)

I am so glad this is true. If you have ever spent time reading Levitical laws, you know there is no way humanly possible to follow them all. However, our salvation is not based on that, instead, we are saved by grace. God welcomes us unto Himself when we call on His Name and trust in Him. His expectations for us are to love Him and love people. The Lord does not expect us to do this on our own, but rather He gives us His grace, mercy, love, and kindness to love well. We cannot earn our way into heaven by being or doing good enough. In place of such, He gives us a heart like His and provides what we need to navigate each day. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us by His grace and extend what we have been given to those around us.

Chosen by God’s grace,

It’s truly a gift;

His love we can’t earn,

In praise, choose uplift.

For God is so good,

His grace He pours out;

Calls us His own kids,

Love’s what He’s about.

So, ever seek Him,

And trust in His grace;

Love God and people,

And give Him all praise.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love and salvation are gifts You freely give when we choose to receive all that You offer and follow after You. Thank You that we do not need to be “good enough”, for You within us, is more than enough. Forgive us for thinking that we somehow could earn Your favor rather than simply trusting in Your goodness and grace and choosing to follow after You out of love and gratitude not fear or obligation. Teach us trust You more so that we might love as You love. Lead us in Your love as we praise You and pursue to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your overwhelming grace that calls us Your own and compels us to love well. Amen.

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

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16

Singing Over Us

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. – (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

The Lord your God is with you. He is like a powerful soldier. He will save you. He will show how much He loves you and how happy He is with you. He will laugh and be happy about you. – (Zephaniah 3:17, ERV)

Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, He’ll calm you with His love and delight you with His songs. – (Zephaniah 3:17, MSG)

Though this passage was about Jerusalem being reconciled back to God, His heart for us is the same. As we turn and depend on Him, God saves us and delights in us. His love rejoices over us with His songs. I don’t know about you, but spring always seems to present extra challenges. At school, students amp up and struggle to stay focused, and personally, it seems to be the season that challenges transpire. Currently, the biggest challenge is mom’s recovery from a broken hip. She is a warrior, but this is far more than she signed up for. God is faithful, and we trust Him to lead her every step of the way, and to provide the encouragement she needs each new day. There is great comfort in Christ’s love, and the image of Him singing over us is beyond what my mind can conceive. His goodness, mercy, grace, kindness, and love surround us and bring us peace as we turn to Him. May we ever seek the Lord to be with us, to save us, to calm us, and to delight in us with His songs.

A peace far beyond,

What our minds conceive;

Love that surrounds us,

As we choose believe.

The Lord is our strength,

The One who can save;

His goodness granted,

Our sins He forgave.

Over us He sings,

With a Father’s love;

Joy unimagined,

Our hope from above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Mighty Warrior who saves us. Thank You that You love us, bring us Your peace, and sing over us with joy. Forgive us for losing sight of how great You are and how abundant Your love is for us all. Teach us to lean into You when life becomes challenging, for You are the strength that we need to press on. Show us how to love and encourage those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and how You love and embrace the goodness You give as You care for us as only You can. Amen.

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

I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing the praises of Your Name, O Most High. – Psalm 9:2