In Strength, She Smiles

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. – (Proverbs 31:25, NLT)

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)

 

Strong people strengthen people. I have been overwhelmingly blessed throughout my life to be surrounded by strong and loving women who have modeled strength, dignity and courage through active faith in their daily lives, no matter what their circumstances. From my phenomenal mom and her mom, to aunts, dear friends, pastors and colleagues, I have seen such lives lived out, and have been encouraged when my own strength, courage or confidence was lacking. Though there is no “arriving”, I am in a space where I look forward to the future with confidence, trusting that God has good things in store for me and my loved ones. I know that trials will come and go, yet He is faithful through all things, so I need not fear what lies ahead. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and confidence, so that we can look to the future and smile.

 

He’ll clothe us in strength,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

And His dignity;

As we trust in Him,

In faith, choose believe.

We’ll laugh without fear,

At what lies ahead;

Knowing God’s with us,

By grace, we’ll be led.

Others will respect,

The strength that they see;

As we walk beside,

And help those in need.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You clothe us with strength and dignity and give us reason to look confidently to the future. Thank You for the women that You have placed in our lives that have supported and modeled these attributes for us and in us. Forgive us for the times that we have remained in our fearfulness or attempted to navigate things on our own. Teach us to trust You more, and to embrace those whom You have intentionally placed in our lives for mutual encouragement. Show us how to love those around us in a way that grows strength and dignity and removes fear of the future. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we embrace the strength and dignity that You are growing in us and look forward to the future without fear. 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

All Things Made New

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new. – (2 Corinthians 5:17, ERV)

Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone – and see – a new life has begun! – (2 Corinthians 5:17, VOICE)

 

The first day of the new year is great time to remember and recognize that we are made new in Christ. God is the God of fresh starts, and He is ever making us new as we seek and trust in Him. What better time to seek and listen for direction, as we begin the first page of what He will do in 2018? What are we holding in our hands to utilize for Him right now, and what are the dreams that He has given that are not yet? Our charge is to walk forward in what we’ve been given, love as we are loved by Him, and to be faithful to each new step we are shown along the way. May we take time to recognize all of the places in our hearts, minds and lives that the Lord has made new as we begin this brand-new year with eager anticipation for all that He has in store.

 

All things are made new, 

New year, a fresh start;

To choose be faithful,

As God’s work of art.

Each with a purpose,

A plan God designed;

Let’s follow in faith,

Heart, body and mind.

Wherever we are,

And where we choose go;

If lived out in love,

The newness will grow.

Goodbye to the old,

Hello to the new;

Each step that we take,

Chance for love shine through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are made new in You. Thank You for the blessed reminder that all things are new in You, as we begin day one of a brand-new year. Forgive us for dwelling on the past, and teach us how to embrace what we are given now and the promises that lie ahead. Show us how to love well, all those around us, so that they would be encouraged to embrace all that is made new in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You praise for the promise of fresh starts and new beginnings. 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

Put Into Practice

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – (Philippians 4:9, NIV)

Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies. – (Philippians 4:9, MSG)

 

I had two incredibly proud mom moments last evening, as I recognized the reality of this verse lived out in the lives of both of my boys. First, the orchestra teacher began to speak of a student who had overcome the struggle of learning his music as he had gone on and memorized nearly every piece they played. His perseverance and positivity were commended as he received one of the most-improved musician awards. After watching my eldest progeny go forward to receive his award, the same instructor began speaking of a young man who worked hard everyday, greeted her with kindness daily, and always offered a helping hand. He too was being recognized for the same such award, with no sense of obligation to reward the second son because he was in the family, rather it was all because of the merit of his character. I was blown away… Both boys had left a mark in a space that they have loved throughout their middle school careers. Each one chose to commit to their craft and care well for those around them in the process, and as a result, were being seen as the upstanding young men that they have become. Both boys were blown away by being seen, and I imagine the moment will be forever marked in their memories.

A take-away from the evening was the reminder of how important it is to let kids know that we see their hard work. Acknowledging them in their struggle to persevere can make all of the difference, and when they have seen a challenge through to completion – celebrate! May we see the success stories all around us in this season of graduations and new beginnings. Let our lives mirror that of our Maker, so that we may put into practice, His ways, allowing our words and deeds to deliver peace in places that need it most.

 

Let all that’s been learned,

Received from the Lord;

Be set in practice,

Honor the Adored.

For as we obey,

Operate in peace;

God’s glory and grace,

Are through Him, released.

May His love be known,

By all who draw near;

Together we come,

As He removes fear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show us, teach us, and speak to us, the things that You want us to learn from You. Thank You that when we put these things into practice, we discover Your peace. Forgive us for not acting on the things that You have shown us, and ending up unsettled, wondering why we can’t find Your peace. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and find You in every situation and circumstance, no matter how challenging. Thank You that You are far greater than anything we face. Lead us to love others well, especially those who are in a space of transition or on the cusp of new beginnings. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we put into practice that which we have learned, received or heard from You. Amen.

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

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16