Grow As We Go With Thanks

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV)

You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following Him. You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from Him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God. – (Colossians 2:6-7, ERV)

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live in Him. You’re deeply rooted in Him. You’re well-constructed upon Him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. – (Colossians 2:6-7, MSG)

 

We are charged to continue to grow in our faith, however, as we do, we are meant to live in Christ in such a way that our lives are a reflection of our faith, overflowing with thankfulness. As we lean into Christ, we grow as we go. In other words, we are not called to stay stagnant and remain in the same space where we began, but rather as we establish roots in Him, we are meant to move forward in obedience, living and loving as we were designed to do, giving God thanks every step of the way. The more we know God and move forward into the life that He has called us to lead, the deeper our sense of gratitude for who God is and how He loves.

 

We each have been called,

In faith, to move on;

Use what we’ve received,

Rise up and respond.

To live out our faith,

And love well with grace;

Continue to grow,

As we run our race.

Each step that we take,

May we choose to praise;

God for His goodness,

Throughout all our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and call us to move forward in our faith. Thank You that we grow as we go. Thank You that You strengthen and equip us to be and do all that You lead us to, as we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to move forward or step out in the direction to which You were drawing us. Teach us to trust You to provide all that we need to keep moving forward. Show us how to love those around us well, so that goodness, grace and gratitude will be evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we press on in all that You ask of us, ever giving You thanks for who You are and how You love. Amen.

 

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

 

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Blessings of Grace and Love

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – (2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV)

I pray that you will enjoy the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. – (2 Corinthians 13:14, ERV)

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. – (2 Corinthians 13:14, MSG)

 

This is my hope and prayer for all, and especially to my brother-in-love and sister today, as we celebrate him on his birthday. Though this day looks far different than anyone might have imagined, it is good, and holds time to celebrate and appreciate the blessings beheld in who God has created him to be. For the family and for mom, life has changed dramatically. Adjusting to life away from all that she knows is challenging for mom; and adapting, supporting and caring well for mom brings a change requiring adjustment for all. My prayer is that God’s grace and love and fellowship will flood each member of the household, providing for each need, both spoken and unsaid, as they navigate the ongoing road of recovery together. The love is great, as they all are loving incredibly well, and His strength is sustaining each family member as they forge forward in this fight. May God’s grace be present with us, one and all, and may it be an extraordinary new year of blessing for Scott and the family.

 

The grace of the Lord,

Be with each of you;

May also His love,

Refresh and renew.

Let time spent with Him,

Fill our hearts again;

So we may love well,

Through His grace attained.

Be blessed with goodness,

Rest well in His grace;

All glory to God,

For His loving ways.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the tremendous blessing of family. Thank You for the gift of those that You give to us through our loved ones. Thank You that You hear our prayers to bless and keep those we lift before You. Forgive us for not admonishing those You give as gifts to us in our lives nearly often enough. Show us how to love others in ways that refresh, renew and bless with the same grace that You give to each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we lift others up and ask You to make them acutely aware of Your grace, love and fellowship. Amen.

 

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

 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26

Offerings Become Art

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

As a result of all this, my loved brothers and sisters, you must stand firm, unshakable, excelling in the work of the Lord as always, because you know that your labor isn’t going to be for nothing in the Lord. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, CEB)

With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, MSG)

 

This verse is both a challenge and an encouragement. As an individual who has felt called to teach since a very young age, it has been an interesting path to traverse over the last twenty-one years. There have been times that the obstacles and challenges seemed so impossible, that I wanted to walk away. The time, resources and self that are poured into each day, have to be for Him, or our perspective becomes distorted.  I know this is only the first week, but there is something that feels more steady and secure than it ever has before. Perhaps it is the tangible support I have at home that provides me the freedom to invest more of myself as I begin each day full, rather than depleted. Another possibility is that I am, for the first time in my career, teaching what I love most, for the majority of my day. Though I enjoy teaching the variety of subjects I have taught throughout my career thus far, I know that my excitement and enthusiasm for helping kids discover that they can create art, is not a waste of time or effort. There is something powerful to watch as students realize that they are able to do far more than they ever thought possible. May we ever stand firm and stay the course to which we are called, for nothing we do for Him is ever for naught.

 

If all that we do, 

Is unto the Lord;

No effort wasted,

As grace is outpoured.

For God gladly takes,

What we choose to bring;

And uses for good,

All our offerings.

Whether it is time,

Resources or heart;

All done unto God,

Become lifetime art.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all that we do unto You can be used for Your glory. Thank You that as we stay the course to which we are called, we see Your faithfulness unfold in Your time. Thank You that You are always good, even when we cannot see the good before us. Forgive us for our doubts that make us question the direction we know we are meant to go. Strengthen us to stand firm and press on, trusting completely in You to bring beauty from our investment of time, energy and heart. Show us how to love those around us in a way that encourages them to discover or continue on the path to which they are called. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to use our every offering for good as we stay the course to which we are called. Amen.

 

 

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

 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. – Psalm 37:5

Peace in His Power

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.” – (Jeremiah 32:17, NIV)

“Lord God, with Your great power You made the earth and the sky. There is nothing too hard for You to do.” – (Jeremiah 32:17, ERV)

“Dear God, my Master, You created earth and sky by Your great power – by merely stretching out Your arm! There is nothing You can’t do.” – (Jeremiah 32:17, MSG)

 

When pressure is on or things take an unexpected turn, God is ever-present and nothing surprises Him. He who made the heavens and earth can help us face and overcome anything that comes our way. God walks before us, beside us and behind us in all things and at all times. There is nothing too difficult for God. As we draw nearer to Him, we become more aware of His presence and His power that are available, if only we seek Him. Today marks the start of our ten-day countdown to our wedding. Though there is much to do to prepare, I do not feel stressed nor overwhelmed, for I know that God is with us and for us, and that He will provide where we lack – be it time, energy, strength or peace. He who can silence a storm with a single phrase, can help us navigate and orchestrate all that is yet to be done. May we ever seek the Lord, who made the heavens and earth by His mighty hand, for nothing is too difficult for Him.

 

God of all power,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Strength and wisdom too;

Comes as we seek Him,

All things He can do.

Brings peace in chaos,

Strength when we are weak;

Power, provision,

He’s near as we seek.

Let us choose draw near,

To our God above;

We’re held in His hands,

Surrounded in love.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You who created the heavens and the earth, are approachable and ready to help in our spaces of lack. Thank You that nothing is too difficult for You. Thank You that You give peace in Your presence, and that we need not worry, for You hold us in the hollow of Your hands. Forgive us for allowing challenges or daunting tasks to distract us from the help and peace that You provide in all things and at all times. Teach us to trust You, always. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers Your peace and help in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the power present in and through You. Amen.

 

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

 

The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:26

Love and Patience that Endure

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NLT)

May the Lord bring you into an even deeper understanding of the love of God and of the patience that comes from Christ. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, TLB)

May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, MSG)

 

The love of God and the patient endurance of Christ are two things for which I am eternally grateful. When I am at my least loveable, God still demonstrates His love for me in tangible ways. I am shown patience that is willing to endure, despite the difficulties. In twenty-seven days, I will have the privilege and blessing of marrying the man whom God brought me, who shows me again and again and again, how fully I am loved, no matter how I come. He has patience and kindness toward me that seems to know no end. The more I pursue the Lord, the greater my understanding of His love and patience for us all. May we ever seek Him and grow in our grasp of God’s great love and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

May the Lord’s great love,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Surround and sink in;

True understanding,

So peace may begin.

Let His patience too,

Come and overwhelm;

As goodness is grasped,

In God’s loving realm.

By grace let us seek,

So we come to know;

Love and endurance,

As in Christ we grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace and for the love and patient endurance that You demonstrate to us in tangible ways. Thank You for the people that You place in our lives to show us Your loving kindness and the depth of Your care for us all. Forgive us for not seeking You to understand more fully the depth of Your love and the patience and endurance that come from Christ. Show us how to love those around us with Your love and patient endurance. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue the path that leads us to knowing You more and more. 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

He Leads Those Who Seek

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor. – (James 4:10, NLT)

Be humble before the Lord, and He will make you great. – (James 4:10, ERV)

Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. – (James 4:10, MSG)

 

God’s economy is far different from our own. He lifts up those who recognize their desperate need for Him, and shows His strength and goodness to those who earnestly seek the Lord. A trip to Minnesota was not expected nor anticipated, yet when we discovered the need to be here and realized that with God, all things are possible, each step was paved and all that we needed has been provided. I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds us, and am excited to see what He will do in the hearts and lives of all of the extended family that is gathering to be present for my Viking’s father. May we ever humbly seek the Lord in all things, as He is the One who sets our feet on the path that He has prepared, and provides all that is needed to navigate according to His good and perfect will.

When we come to God,

and humbly seek;

He hears all our cries,

gives strength where we’re weak.

God creates a way,

where it seems there’s none;

He shows us His love,

’til each day is done.

So let us choose pray,

in humility;

for God makes a way,

our stability.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we humbly seek You, You meet us where we are and lift us up to do what You call us to do. Thank You that You are our strength in all things, and that You make a way where there seems to be no way. Forgive us for not getting down on our knees to present our needs. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in all things, as You are the One who will lead us and grant us strength. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they too, may come to know that You are the God who hears our every heart cry, and You answer those who earnestly seek You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and trust You to lead and guide us as we go. Amen.

 

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

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13

Every Detail Done

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – (Colossians 3:17, NIV)

Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. – (Colossians 3:17, ERV)

Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. – (Colossians 3:17, MSG)

 

It is a bit intimidating to think about all things that we do, be it word or deed, being done in the name of the Lord. In our broken humanity, we do not always get it right. So often, our words or our actions do not align with what Jesus would do, and we fall short – again and again. This is where we are reminded of our desperate need for our Savior. We need Him to choose and do well each step of the way. Thankfully, if we seek Him and place our trust in Him, He will lead us and guide us in the way we are meant to go, and we can give Him all the glory for His goodness and guidance. May we turn in trust to the Lord to lead us in word and deed, so that we would demonstrate His love through the details of our lives.

 

In all that we do, 

Both word and in deed;

May we show His love,

As we seek, He’ll lead.

All thanks be to God,

For His word is true;

He’ll show us the way,

To do as He’d do.

So rise up and seek,

Ask the Lord to guide;

In action and word,

In Him, let’s abide.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You and ask You to lead us and guide us, You will direct our steps so that we may walk in Your way and do Your will. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to seek You or listen to that which we know is Your best. Teach us to trust You more, as You will give us the words to speak and the steps to take if we only ask You to lead us. Show us how to love those around us as You love, so that all may see Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to do Your will and give You praise for all of our days. Amen.

 

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

 

Shout aloud and sing for joy. – Isaiah 12:6

Who Are We?

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?” – (2 Samuel 7:18, ESV)

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?” – (2 Samuel 7:18, NLT)

King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed: “Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that You have brought me to this place in life?” – (2 Samuel 7:18, MSG)

 

David had gone from being a faithful young shepherd boy in his father’s fields, to a good and powerful king, who was blessed and anointed by God. He had to endure many trials in between, yet recognized the faithfulness of God through it all. As he sat before God and prayed, he acknowledged in awe and wonder, how it is that God had granted him such kindness and favor. Though I am not in a seat of public power (nor would I want to be), I am the daughter of the Almighty King. When I look back, even over the last few years, I can ask the very same question that David asked: “Who am I, Lord God, and who is my family that You have brought us this far?” I am in awe at the faithfulness and goodness of God, and how He has provided and blessed and covered my boys and me. He has brought us love and laughter and life in places where such things had grown dim, and has provided all that we have needed and more. Verses like this one are a terrific reminder for us to slow down, take some time, and give thanks for the grace we’ve been given to carry us thus far. May we ever look to the Lord to be our help and hope, and give Him praise for the many blessings throughout our days.

 

O God, who are we, 

That You would show care?

What glorious grace,

You lovingly share.

Lord God, as we seek,

In awe, we are found;

You lead us to life,

Show us to sure ground.

Always You are near,

Through our highs and lows;

Your love surrounds us,

And helps us to grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You see each of us as Your children whom You dearly love. Thank You that though we know we do not deserve it, You give us grace and mercy, and lead us through our trials and bring us to places of blessing. Thank You that no matter where we are on our journey, You are faithful to be present as our Help and our Hope. Forgive us for not seeking You in the seasons we need You the most, or for not giving You glory where glory is due. Teach us to honor and praise You in all seasons and stages of life, as You are the One who gives us strength and hope to persevere and overcome. Show us how to love those around us in a way that helps others feel blessed and loved. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we remain in awe of all that You have done, and ever rely on You for what is yet to come. 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

The Master of Peace

May the Master of Peace Himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! – (2 Thessalonians 3:16, MSG)

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. – (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NLT)

We pray that the Lord of peace will give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all. – (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ERV)

 

Peace can sometimes feel elusive when the season is so full of activities. Though they are good and exciting and enjoyable, they can be stealers of peace if we do not seek to keep our Savior at the center. Despite the lack of daily scheduled routine, my days continue to be filled and busy. The need to begin my day seeking the Lord does not change, and I recognize His peace that is present in places it otherwise would be absent. As I seek Him, I find that His peace follows me throughout my day, and He makes His peace known to me through my interactions with others. May we seek the Lord and His peace in all things, so that in every situation His peace may be made known.

 

The Master of peace,

Is faithful to give;

The grace that we need,

To tranquilly live.

His peace and His grace,

Are ours to receive;

To live and love well,

Show hope to believe.

May our Lord of all,

Be with you always;

Giving You His peace,

As you rise each day.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Lord of peace, and that You give Your peace when we call on You. Thank You that You can bring Your peace into the most tumultuous of situations and circumstances because of who You are. Forgive us for forgetting how great You are. Teach us to trust Your peace more than the chaos that we see. Show us how to present Your peace to those around us in turmoil, as we love like You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for peace at all times and in every situation. All glory unto You, our Mighty Source of peace. Amen.

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

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7

 

Fathering Well

Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. – (Ephesians 6:4, MSG)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. – (Ephesians 6:4, NLT)

 

I know that this is a tough topic for so many. Fathers are placed in our lives to fill such a significant role, yet without the grace and help of God, there is little chance of them measuring up to the expectation presented in the title alone. That being said, some of the best fathers that I know, did not have the most stellar examples in their own lives. God’s grace covered them as they grew, and He provided men of integrity to walk beside them and show them what it is to love well as a dad. There is no one who always gets it right, except our Heavenly Father, but the men who seek to lead their kids by the hand and show them by example, correcting and redirecting with love, are setting the standard for our future generations of fathers. May we celebrate the fathers we know, and encourage them as they help their kids grow.

 

Thank You, dear Father,

Despite what we’ve had;

You shall always be,

Our Heavenly Dad.

Thanks too for the men,

Who take by the hand;

Each child to love,

And shows them Your plan.

Not by being harsh,

Instead, they choose lead;

Lovingly guiding,

Direct to succeed.

Instruct with wisdom,

Discipline with grace;

Do all things in love,

So they seek Your face.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our ultimate Father. Thank You for the fathers that You have placed in our lives to teach us, grow us, and bless us. Forgive us for not recognizing and encouraging the fathers that are all around us, seeking to do things according to Your will. Teach us to have Your eyes to see and Your heart to bless and encourage our brothers who are seeking after You. Show us how to love well, all the people whom You place in our path. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for being the best Father of all, and praise You for the gift of fantastic fathers that You place in our lives and the lives of our children. Amen.

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

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19