It’s All About Love

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” – (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV)

Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” – (Matthew 22:37-39, ERV)

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.” – (Matthew 22:37-39, MSG)

If we love God and love people in a way that truly honors and obeys His commands, ALL people will feel valued, seen, heard and known. Sadly, everywhere I look, I see evidence that we are far from this. It is devastating to hear reports of people’s brilliance being overlooked, or of individuals being treated harshly or in a way that is in no way warranted. If I read too much, or look too hard, the heaviness is overwhelming. That being said, what can one human do? The answer is Jesus. If I seek Him to lead me in love, I can be part of the change I long to see. My role is to recognize, listen to, celebrate, encourage, educate, empower, value and honor the next generation. At times, this whole remote teaching gig makes it feel like an impossible task. The kiddos whom I never “see,” I struggle to get to know. Each opportunity I have, I attempt to encourage and care well for each faceless black box, and recognize that I have no idea what their environment is truly like. My hope is that kindness and encouragement will help them feel valued, and that at the end of the day, each is aware that someone cares. Lord, help us to love You and love one another as You intended.

Lord, will You lead us,

To love as You do;

Care for each other,

Let Your light shine through.

Help us be vessels,

Afloat in Your love;

May kindness give hope,

Care that You’re proud of.

Show us the spaces,

For encouragement;

Teach us to listen,

Hear discouragement.

Lead us all in love,

So kindness may reign;

May all voices be heard,

And Your love made plain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love You and love each other. Thank You that You have shown us what it is to truly love one another. Forgive us for the times that we have not acted or spoken in ways that demonstrate Your love to those around us. Teach us to do and be better. Help us to recognize, value, encourage and love well, all those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love You and those around us as You first loved us. Amen.

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

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. – Psalm 103:8

Generosity and Justice

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. – (Psalm 112:5, NIV) 

It is good for people to be kind and generous and to be fair in business. – (Psalm 112:5, ERV) 

Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable, conducting affairs with honesty and truth. – (Psalm 112:5, TPT) 

We are called to live a life of generosity and justice. This requires that we are kind and generous, honest and fair. Each of these things are part of the lifestyle that Jesus modeled for us. We are called to love, and how He loved is the ultimate example. Jesus was generous with His time, talent and resources, and He was quick to identify things that were right and those that were not, and operated justly; always. With so many things out of our control right now, our best defense is to live a life of love. Where we have plenty, we ought to be generous. As we navigate our way through our ever-changing jobs, we must do so with honesty, truth and fairness. Being an educator, this is especially important, as what we do, demonstrates to the next generation, how things ought to be done. If we are kind, generous and fair, the same is given in return. Even when it is not, our hearts can hold fast to choosing what is right and knowing that we have done our best to do what we are called to do. May we ever pursue God’s heart, so we will know best how to be kind, generous and just. 

It is always good, 

To live such a life; 

Where true justice reigns, 

And giving ends strife. 

For we have been called, 

And lovingly shown; 

What God has required, 

His way’s been made known. 

To choose act justly, 

Love mercy as well; 

Walk humbly with God, 

So good, our lives tell. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You tell us in Your word and have shown us through Your Son, how to be generous and just in all things. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked a generous heart, or have not considered what is most just, equitable and fair. Show us how to live our lives with generosity, kindness and truth in all things. Help us to love those around us with generosity, humility, honesty and justice. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to live the life You are calling us to lead. Amen. 

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

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8 

Called to Task

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. – (Luke 1:76-77, NIV) 

Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for Him. You will make His people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. – (Luke 1:76-77, ERV) 

 

As Zechariah’s song of praise continued, he proclaimed words of truth, as God revealed the role that his son, John, would play in preparing the hearts of people for all that Christ had to offer. John was a faithful proclaimer of truth, and he spent his life, even unto his own death, speaking of the way to salvation through the forgiveness of sins. As the parents of John, Zechariah and Elizabeth knew their son was called to a task that was beyond their own human understanding. Both, likely spent John’s formative years, educating and raising him close to God, guiding him in the direction that he was meant to go. I imagine it took tremendous faith and dependence on God, to lead a child who was called to such specific work for the Lord. Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Raising children who have been set apart from infancy, or even earlier, would be a task that takes trust beyond measure. In my own experience, simply being responsible for two tiny humans at the same time, took formidable faith, as premature twins in the care of a first-time parent was slightly terrifying. God’s grace, mercy and strength made the unknown and unyielding, manageable and marvelous. May we seek the Lord and His strength, as we recognize that He is our help and our hope in raising up the next generation of faithful followers of Him. 

 

O Lord, let our faith,

Be rooted in You; 

Our strength and our hope, 

For Your love is true. 

However You call, 

Whatever our way; 

Your help, grace and hope, 

Will lead us each day. 

Faithful forever, 

O Lord God, You reign; 

Please show us each day, 

The path we’re to take. 

  

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness, grace and faithfulness forever. Thank You that You never call us to anything that You are not also willing to equip us to do. Forgive us for our fearfulness when the call seems far beyond our ability to navigate. Teach us to trust You more, for You are greater than any seeming impossibility that lies before us. Show us how to faithfully navigate the roles to which we are called. Lead us to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness and grace tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things at all times, and faithfully walk wherever You lead. Amen.

 

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

 

When I called to You for help, You answered me and gave me strength. – Psalm 138:3

Pass It On

We’re not keeping this to ourselves, we’re passing it along to the next generation – God’s fame and fortune, the marvelous things He has done. – (Psalm 78:4, MSG)

We will not keep these things secret from their children; rather, we will tell the coming generation all about the praise that is due to the Eternal One. We will tell them all about His strength, power, and wonders. – (Psalm 78:4, VOICE)

 

The challenges and struggles that stand before today’s youth require faith more than ever before. We live in a culture that floods young minds with temptation to be lured a hundred different directions without the constants that they desperately desire. If we do not teach them of the wonders of God and show them hope in a world where hope is so often lost, the future that follows them will be bleak. However, when children are raised to know hope in Him, they rise up into adulthood with a filter that helps them fix their eyes on that which is to take them in the direction they are meant to go, rather than being tugged by too many things. In my own life, hearing of the marvelous things that He had done in the lives of those before me, inspired a great desire to discover all that He had for me as well. May we not keep God’s goodness to ourselves, but ever share of His wonders with our children, so that they too may seek the Lord and His strength in their lives.

 

Keep not to ourselves, 

God’s glory and might;

We are meant to share,

Give young ones insight.

Tell of His wonder,

The good He has done;

Speak of the Lord’s strength,

The battles He’s won.

Let’s give our kids hope,

Where often there’s none;

Share His faithfulness,

Our Almighty One.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have shown Your faithfulness to us through the generations before us. Thank You for those who did not stay silent, but rather shared with us the glory of Your majesty and power. Thank You for the privilege to pass along the same to the next generation that follows us. Forgive us for keeping things to ourselves that were meant to be shared, as the coming generation needs to know the wonder of Your majesty. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would listen for Your voice and hear Your heart as to how and what we are meant to share. Show us how to love those who follow after us in a way that gives them hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we share of the marvelous things that You have done with those whom You have placed in our charge. 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

Fifteen

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. – (Psalm 127:3, NLT)

 

There is no truer statement to be made, as my children are one of the greatest gifts that God has given unto me. To be blessed with two happy, healthy, tender-hearted, intelligent, kind young men is a treasure that fills my heart to overflowing. Fifteen years ago, both of my babies took their first breath. Though they came ahead of schedule and needed assistance as their lungs developed, even then, the Lord used their lives to teach me more of who He is and about His faithfulness as a loving Father. Throughout each age and stage, these treasures have helped me gain understanding about unconditional love, and the beauty of childlike faith. Today, as they journey toward adulthood, it is a joy to continue to watch what God does in and through them, as well as learning my own lessons of new levels of letting go and trusting more. May we each recognize and remember that children truly are a gift from God, and that it is a privilege to be trusted to raise them well.

 

Children are a gift,

A treasure from God;

They make His heart known,

Among His “ta-da‘s”.

May we each embrace,

Those in our own care;

Help us love them well,

So they are prepared.

Ready to rise up,

Go forth as You call;

Lead us as we love,

Lord, please bless them all.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift that You give to us through children. Thank You for the blessing that my own boys are to me. Please continue to bless and protect them as they walk out the second half of their teen years. May they ever pursue Your heart and Your will for their lives. Forgive us for not recognizing the great gift that You have given us through the next generation. Teach us to trust and rely on You to love and lead them well, so that You will be glorified and given proper praise. Show us how to love those around us, especially the kids who are challenging to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we appreciate the great gift You give us through our children, and may we honor You by loving them well. Amen.

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

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Teach Truth

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders. – (Psalm 78:4, NLT)

 

If we do not share the truth of God with the next generation, how will they ever come to know Him? We are called to teach our children what God has done for us, and throughout the ages. It is promised, that if we “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – (Proverbs 22:6) This can only come to pass if we fulfill our end of the deal. Coming into the knowledge of the power and faithfulness of God, compels us to hold fast to the hope that He provides. The same is true for our children. Kids have a remarkable capacity to comprehend the truth from a young age, and will grow in faith and hope if they are taught of the wonders and power of our precious Lord. May we make it a priority to teach the next generation the truth of who God is and how He loves, so that they too, may hold the hope that we already know.

 

The truth that we know,

is meant to be shared;

passed on to our kids,

so they’ll be prepared.

When they understand,

God’s wonderful ways;

they learn to follow,

the Lord all their days.

God promises us,

if we lead them well;

He’ll keep hold of them,

in His grace, they’ll dwell.

Help us teach our kids,

the truth of Your love;

so they too will seek,

You, our Lord above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing that children provide. Thank You that You value the hope and the future of every single child. Thank You that we are called to teach the truth of Your love and faithfulness to the next generation, so that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and one day do the same. Forgive us for our inconsistency. Teach us to be faithful in sharing the truth that we know with those whom You place in our charge. Show us how to love well and to speak truth in a way that is powerful and understandable, so that all may hear what You want to be made known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You from a young age, and not depart from You. Be exalted O God, as we share of Your power and wonders with the next generation. Amen.

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Living a Legacy Life

Yesterday, the task to which I charged my students, was for each one to select a “legacy” word for the year. The word that they choose is to be accompanied by a symbol or image that represents that word to them, and each card with word and image will be posted on a designated wall in my classroom. Our discussions throughout the day about what a legacy is, were rich and rewarding. These 7th graders understand the value in passing something down to those who come after them. Additionally, each of them desires to achieve their highest potential, both this year, and in life. The goals and dreams held in the hearts of young people are truly inspiring.

It is good to have something to pass down to your grandchildren. But wealth hidden away by sinners will be given to those who live right. – (Proverbs 13:22)

What we pass on to the next generation and beyond, matters. If we share wisdom and insight that steers them in the right direction, and leads them on the path of righteousness, hope, light and life will lie before them. However, if we shatter dreams and shut down the hopes that kids hold in their hearts, we may be missing out on a promising leader, artist, doctor, inventor, discoverer, or the like. Our wealth is not just monetary. Our time, our heart, our concern, our love, our energy – kids need adults who care to invest in their lives. If a child knows that at least one grown up in their world is for them, they are more confident to move toward their dreams. May we share the wealth that we have, with those who will follow in our footsteps – be it our time, experience, wisdom or resources. Let us make the choice to be a champion for every child.

Living legacy,

is a choice to make;

how to be recalled,

despite our mistakes.

Do we choose rise up,

and try, try again;

or do we choose fold,

give up and give in?

How we choose respond,

matters very much;

young ones are watching,

our words, deeds and such.

We shape their thinking,

of what’s right and wrong;

we model respect,

and how to belong.

Let’s make the right choice,

be a champion;

instead of limits,

kids see dreams begin.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us the privilege and the responsibility of caring for the next generation. Thank You that You do not expect us to do this on our own, but rather You equip and empower us with You grace, goodness and love, to care well for all whom we are given charge. Thank You that You intentionally create each individual with gifts and talents that are waiting to be discovered. Forgive us for not seeking to find those hidden treasures in every human, and teach us to see people through Your eyes. Help us to trust You in us as we are placed positions where we are desperately in need of You. Lead us to love and care for kids well, as they are the leaders of tomorrow. Show us how to leave a legacy of faithfulness in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to honor You in all that we do, and leave a legacy of loving You and people well. Amen.

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

I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

The Love of a Father

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – (Psalm 91:1)

 

For many, this is an excellent promise to remember, as today can be a day of mixed emotions. Though most of us have had the good fortune to have been blessed with either a father, grandfather, uncle, spouse or some male that has held a positive and encouraging role in our lives, not all have had such a gift. The beauty of this day, Father’s Day, is that we all have a Father in Heaven who is perfect in how He loves. His love never fails, and He will always be ready when we run to Him. When we choose to dwell in Him, we find rest, regardless of what is going on in us, or around us. He provides what we need, despite what we seem to desperately be lacking. May we honor Him who is the greatest Father of all, and encourage the men who are seeking after God’s own heart to do likewise. Let us raise up the next generation of young men to do the same, as we show them how to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, and know for themselves, what it is to find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

 

The love of a father,

for what can compare?

All seek such approval,

without it, despair.

No matter the father,

you’re granted on earth;

our Heavenly Father,

claims infinite worth.

He sees us and knows us,

and still chooses love;

no matter our failures,

in Him, rise above.

For all is forgiven,

as we hide in Him;

and rest in His shadow,

made strong from within.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose to dwell in You, we find rest in You. Thank You for the men that You have raised up to lead and father well, and thank You for those whom You are refining and restoring so that they may move mountains on Your behalf. Thank You that whether we have had wonderful fathers or not, You have always been our perfect Father; ever present and always available to us. Forgive us for allowing earthly errors to skew our view of You, and teach us to trust and hold fast to the truth of who You are, and how You love. Lead us to love others well, and to aid in the raising up of the next generation of young men who will father according to Your will. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, in which their heart is set on serving You. Be glorified O God, as we dwell in Your protective shelter, and rest in the shadow of Your loving kindness. Amen.

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

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8