May We Ever Praise

Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His Name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. – (Psalm 100:4-5, NLT)

 

God is good and His love never fails. He is faithful forever, and deserves all of our thanks and praise. There are days, however, when giving thanks is not necessarily the nearest and dearest thought to our hearts. When sickness strikes and plans change, it can be easy to lose sight of the goodness of God. I am overwhelmingly blessed with both a mother and grandmother that model what it is to give thanks, regardless of circumstance. Thanksgiving has been a favorite gathering time for my mom, my sister and her family, and me and my progeny. This year, my mom has a horrible cold virus and does not have the energy to travel across the mountains and an additional few hundred miles south to my sister’s home. It will be the first Thanksgiving in several years that we have not all been together to give thanks. Rather than mope and feel downcast, (though I am certain she is bummed as are we) my mom has chosen to bless us in spite of her absence. I woke to a sweet message from her, with a note that a gift that will help keep me alert as I drive is on the way. (Oh sweet Starbucks love!) She is choosing to focus on His goodness and demonstrate His faithfulness, and remind each of us, that regardless of circumstance, there is always reason to praise. May we each go forth with thanksgiving, recognizing His goodness and faithfulness, as we share of His unfailing love with each new generation forever.

 

As we all gather,

Both from far and near;

Let us be thankful,

For how the Lord hears.

Because He is good,

May we ever praise;

Our faithful Father,

For all of our days.

Be not dependent,

On life’s circumstance;

But by His great love,

May our souls choose dance.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are able to enter Your presence with thanksgiving and praise. Thank You that You are good and that Your unfailing love continues forever. Thank You that You are faithful to each generation. Thank You for the faithful women in my life that model for me, thankful hearts who give out of the abundance of Your love. Forgive us for not giving You thanks and praise for who You are, and help us to rise up and recognize that our reason for thanks unto You is not circumstantial. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they may see Your faithfulness and goodness through our love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You our thanks and praise because You are good and Your love lasts forever. 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

Steps for the Seekers

The naïve are heirs to foolishness, but the clever are honored with insight. – (Proverbs 14:18, VOICE)

 

This evening will be a unique experience for me. As a teacher, I have attended my school’s 8th grade celebration/graduation numerous times over the past nineteen years, yet tonight will be the first time in that my role is both as a parent and a teacher. My boys are finishing up their final days of middle school. It is bittersweet, as I have loved having them with me each morning and afternoon on the way to and from school, and there is a certain comfort in knowing that your own children are present on the campus on which you teach. That being said, they are ready for more. Neither of them has allowed themselves to get caught up in the foolishness of which some of their peers partake, and consequently, they have gained great insight and earned good grades, preparing them for that which lies ahead. Although I will miss their daily presence, I am excited to see all that awaits them in their high school experience and beyond. May we each embrace every opportunity for growth that is placed before us, so that we would operate in a space of His wisdom, rather that from our own foolishness.

 

Those who are clever,

Are rewarded well;

Insight is granted,

In wisdom they’ll dwell.

With feet both planted,

Secure on the ground;

Future before them,

Their path has been found.

It’s about moving,

Where you’re meant to go;

For that is how we,

Each learn and we grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, we find You, and we are rewarded with wisdom and insight through our seeking. Thank You for all of the young people who have earnestly sought You, as they are preparing for next steps in their lives – so many transitioning from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school, high school to college or work, and beyond. Thank You that whatever the transition, You are present and leading. Forgive us for forgetting how big You are, and give us the strength to trust You more with the next steps for our progeny. Show us how to continue to lead them well, and help us to love those around us in a way that points people unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your wisdom and insight in all of our next steps. Amen.

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

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11

Encourage, Love and Do Good

Today began in an unexpected and unusually early fashion. One of my sweet sons came into my room at 2am to inform me that he was having difficulty breathing. For the past two days, he has been fighting a fever and cough, which have exacerbated his asthma. Unfortunately, the virus seemed to be gaining the upper hand, and I knew an ER visit would be in order. The wonderful staff at our local children’s hospital took excellent care of Adventurous, and his body responded to the treatments well. Thankfully, we were on our way home by 6:30am. Upon our return, I had just enough time to eat a quick bite of breakfast, change, and pack my running bag for a 10k race that I was registered to run. If ever there was a day when I did not feel equipped for the task, today was the day.

 

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV)

 

Both my running bestie and a dear friend from afar, filled my heart and mind with encouraging words, as they showed His love to me. Though running may not necessarily be His “good works“, it is a space where I feel His pleasure. Every step I take, I am grateful for a healthy body, a beautiful place to live, and the people He has placed in my life through this sport that I love. As we ran, we too, were able to offer words of encouragement along the route to other runners that appeared to be growing weary, and in the end, had accomplished even more than we had hoped to for our race goal time.

 

God provided all that I needed to overcome potential exhaustion. He healed my precious progeny under the care of a kind medical staff, and after all was said and done, I had the remainder of this day to rest.

 

May we look for every opportunity to encourage each other, to show love, and to do good works.

 

Let our eyes extend,

outside of ourselves;

to encourage well,

unseen by themselves.

May we each show love,

with words that we say;

and may our good works,

show Christ is the way.

All who are weary,

trust Him who knows best;

in awe, you shall find,

He will grant You rest.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You use us to encourage one another in love and in good works. Thank You that You refresh us when we are weary, and You carry us when we are weak. Thank You that You are present, regardless of what is before us. Forgive us for allowing our circumstances to determine our course of action, rather than trusting in You. Teach us to trust You more, and help us to be available to be used by You to encourage and love well, all whom we encounter. May we go forth doing good works as You call us to, and may many come to know the saving grace that is available through a relationship in You. Be glorified O God, as we encourage each other, showing love and doing good works. Amen.

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

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Ascribe the Glory Due

There is nothing quite so praise provoking as a warm sunny day in the Pacific Northwest. Yesterday afternoon, was no exception. With unseasonably high temperatures, Super Spouse came home quickly, ready to get out on the water. As our family enjoyed our outing, I could not help but be in awe of the splendor of the sights my eyes took in. The brilliant blue of the sky, the lush green of the trees, the snow-covered peak of Mount Rainier, and the smiles on the sweet faces of Super Spouse and our progeny – my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude.

 

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His Name.

Bring an offering and come before Him;

worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. – I Chronicles 16:29

 

This verse seemed to capture the call of my heart, as it summoned me to bring again, an offering of praise. To ascribe to the Lord the glory due His Name, is to give God credit as the Source of EVERYTHING. To bring an offering, is to bring ourselves – our time, our talent, our resources – whatever we have and whatever He has made us to be. Coming before Him, is to intentionally set our hearts and minds on Him, directing our attention to hear His heart, and to offer ours. Worshipping the Lord in the splendor of His holiness, is giving God all of our worship, that He so completely deserves. None can compare to Him, thus He alone is worthy of all of our worship and praise.

 

Ascribe to the Lord,

all glory and praise;

for He is our Rock,

through all of our days.

No one can compare,

to His Holy Name;

so let worship flow,

may our hearts proclaim.

Worship His splendor,

give praise for His grace;

with our whole being,

for all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the loving Creator of all. Thank You that You alone, deserve all worship and praise. Thank You for the gifts that You have given each of us, for which we may come before You and offer our worship. Forgive us for not giving proper glory that is due unto Your Name, and help us to be in continual awe of the splendor of Your holiness. Teach us to worship You with our entire existence. May many come to know You, as we respond to the outpouring of Your love upon us. Be glorified as we bring our gifts before You. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

 

A God of Peace

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” – (I Corinthians 14:33)

 

Though this verse is given as instruction in the context for holding worship services in the church, if we are living our lives as an ongoing act of worship before Him, I imagine that the same principles are meant to be applied throughout our daily walk with Him. When we exercise the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given, we are meant to do so in harmony with one another. Chaos should not reign, for God is not given the opportunity to work among us as He intended, when the world we operate in is a constant whirlwind. When we slow down enough to allow His peace to reign, it permeates our perimeters and is passed on to those around us.

 

After one of my busiest weeks of the year so far, this is a timely reminder. Though I have protected my precious early mornings all week, the succeeding hours each day, were swamped. I know there will be weeks where the constant chaos is nearly unavoidable, but as much as I can help it, I need to be intentional to schedule down time – time where life is slowed down and order is restored, and time to intentionally connect and foster growth in those around me, particularly my progeny. They too have gifts that God is growing in them, and need safe and supportive opportunities to operate in utilizing what they have been given. God is full of grace, and He readily provided places of peace, even in the chaotic spaces. During the most important gymnastics meet of our season, a sweet friend showed up with her son, and sat smiling in the stands for quite some time. Throughout the craziness of our final JV meet yesterday, my fantastic team of coaches rallied together and lightened the load that I so often try to carry on my own. His peace provides order, and He showed me yet again, that He is a God of peace.

 

May we go through each day,

in pursuit of the Lord;

as we seek after Him,

His sweet peace He’ll afford.

As we focus on God,

together or alone;

steer clear of disorder,

honor Him on the throne.

In worship, speak only,

if the meaning’s made known;

we’re meant to encourage,

point to the Lord alone.

Let our lives model peace,

even when chaos reigns;

for His grace is with us,

let our whole life proclaim.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so much, that You sent Your Son, so that we could have peace and order in Your holy presence. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that dwells within the hearts of all who believe, and grants us peace. Forgive us for allowing chaos to reign in our lives and in our hearts, and help us to protect Your place as the God of ALL. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times, so that we may surrender ALL unto You. Lead us to love as we are loved, and may Your peace in us, pass on to all those around us. May many come to know You as their Savior and King, as we operate in obedience to all that You ask of us. May the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be pleasing unto You. Amen.

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

And the Lord said, “I will cause all of my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19