Sing Praise

I will praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. – (Psalm 69:30, NIV)

I will praise God’s Name in song. I will honor Him by giving Him thanks. – (Psalm 69:30, ERV)

Then I will praise God with my singing! My thanks will be His praise. – (Psalm 69:30, TLB)

 

During my quick turn-around at home, I was able to spend time with my boys and attend early service at my church prior to driving back to Wenatchee yesterday. During worship, there were moments that the words would be stuck behind the lump in my throat, yet my heart was still singing His praise. Fast-forward to my drive, and I had plenty of time to reflect on my own. Anyone in my close circle who has road-tripped with me, knows that I actually enjoy blasting a variety of music and singing at the top of my lungs. At first, the heaviness in my heart needed a little… hmm… let’s just say Skillet fit the bill best. (They also happen to be my favorite jam for running) Anyway, the heaviness began to give way to hope, and I switched gears and began to listen to worship music. There was something powerful about singing praise. A calm came over me, and all I could think about was how different this drive to Wenatchee was than my drive had been one week prior. One week ago, Mark was driving me into the unknown. We had received devastating news after investigating the prompting within us, and did not have any idea of the condition mom would be in when we arrived. This time, I had so much to be thankful for: we are so grateful to still have mom (we know that so often people in similar circumstances do not have such a fortunate fate), she is able to understand everything, she can communicate clearly, she has feeling in her right side (which is hopeful, even with the current paralysis of the right arm and leg), we have an incredible army supporting us all – in Wenatchee, Federal Way, Albany, across the country, and around the world (we are overwhelmed in the very best way by the outpouring of love and support!), and we, above all else, have a God in heaven who loves and heals, holds and moves, and has us all in the palm of His hands.

Last evening, after I had returned and spent several hours at the hospital with Meg and Mom, my sister and I went to the acute care facility on a scouting mission. We managed to talk our way in, and were very pleased with both the people that we met and the facility and how it is set up. Our biggest prayer now is that the move actually occurs today, as scheduled, and that there are no insurance or medical obstacles to prevent the move. Mom is more than ready to get out of the hospital and begin being far more active than the hospital setting allows. She is still not ready to have visitors outside of family or those we consider “framily” (friends so close that they have become an extension of the family). For those who love her dearly and are eager to visit, please be patient and know that waiting is best for her healing. In the meantime, you are welcome to download Marco Polo and send her a video message, send a card, a text message, etc. She still is not interested in her phone, but we will take it each day to show videos or read messages that are encouraging.

May we praise Him with songs of thanksgiving, for He is worthy of all of our thanks and praise.

 

When I’m lost for words,

View from Mom’s back deck. ❤

Or sound won’t give way;

My hearts still shall sing,

Lord, ever I’ll praise.

No matter what comes,

You always are good;

When my world’s shattered,

Beside me, You’ve stood.

You never leave me,

Ever You stay near;

You point me to hope,

And silence my fear.

Each morning I rise,

And greet the new day;

I give all to You,

O Lord, lead the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness to us, even in this. Thank You that You love us in tangible ways, as You have surrounded us with an army of warriors, ready to serve. Thank You for making Your presence and Your blessings so abundantly clear, even in the midst of the hardest circumstances. Forgive us for our spaces of fear and doubt. Teach us to trust You more, as You are far greater than anything that stands in the way of Your will being done. Remind our hearts to sing when our voices cannot find the words. Continue to place Your song in our hearts, as Your song is truth and life and light. Show us how to love those around us in a way that shares Your tune. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as our lives sing Your song of praise each day that we draw breath. 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

 

 

 

 

 

Love As We Should

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. – (Hebrews 13:16, NIV)

And don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with others, because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God. – (Hebrews 13:16, ERV)

Let’s not neglect what is good and share what we have, for these sacrifices also please God. – (Hebrews 13:16, VOICE)

 

We are called to do good and share with others. God is pleased when we choose to answer accordingly. To do good requires that we consider others and have their best interest in mind. Sharing can be done through our time, talent, wisdom, or resources. Each depends upon a determination to “do” on behalf of another. Incredibly, as we opt to share with others and do good, we end up gaining a warmth of heart, knowing we have done what we were meant to do. May we each aspire to do good and share with others, as this is pleasing unto God.

 

We’re not to neglect,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤ *My Viking & his Mom

Our call to do good;

To share with others,

Love, as we all should.

For God is well-pleased,

When we sacrifice;

A bit of ourselves,

To reach out, be nice.

So, let us do good,

Share well, with others;

Do as we are called,

Sisters and brothers.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do good and share with others. Thank You that as we do, You are pleased with us. Forgive us for neglecting to reach out and do the simple things that we can do to bless, encourage or help those around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would act on each prompting You place within us to reach out to those around us. Show us how to love those around us in ways that give good and help meet needs. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to sacrifice self to reach out and love others as You love each of us. Amen.

 

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

 

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:7

 

 

One to Many

We never quite know the far-reaching impact that one act of obedience may have. For Paul, when he had arrived on Malta via shipwreck and snakebite, he was invited into the home of a chief official on the island. Upon arrival, Paul learned that the father of Publius, the chief official, was sick in bed and suffering. Paul went to him and prayed for him and he was healed. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. – (Acts 28:9) Paul’s following of the Holy Spirit’s prompting to touch one who had fallen ill, resulted in the healing of many, and consequently, the further spreading of the good news of Jesus, throughout the island.

 

What potential impact do our acts of obedience have on others? Kindness to a stranger, a touch to the hurting, encouraging words to one who is discouraged? We need not know the outcome to act as Christ calls us to move. For each of us, have also been the recipient of another’s faithful obedience. May we go forth this day in obedience to all that the Lord asks.

 

A moment in time,

responding in faith;

to what God has asked,

most memorable wraith.

All who are open,

ready to go forth;

will be granted word,

sent out by the Lord.

He looks for the heart,

that’s ready to serve;

does tremendous things,

His strength to observe.

May we be ready,

with yes and amen;

to go where He asks,

and do as He says.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many examples of the faithful who have gone before us. Thank You that You show us that You use hearts that are willing and faithful to follow what You ask, regardless of circumstances or appearances. Thank You that Your ultimate good will come, even out of the most ugly of circumstances. Forgive us for our lack of faith in the midst of trials, or for our lack of movement when You are asking us to move. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may move mightily in all things and at all times, as You ask us to move. Let us love and encourage and be Your hands and heart to those around us, as You so clearly make You love evident to each of us. May many come to know You as their Savior and King, as we seek to serve You in all that we say and do. Be exalted, O God, as we follow Your leading today. Amen.

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

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Summoned to Serve

We are called and admonished,

to do continual good;

for those who do as Jesus,

the word of God, understood.

Those who choose to do evil,

have not seen the heart of God;

rather, imitate Jesus,

the trustworthy path to trod.

Be kind to those who teach us,

show much hospitality;

for the sake of the Father,

side by side in unity.

Encourage those who’ve given,

their lives to serve our great Lord;

may He bless them and keep them,

support them in one accord.

To be church, be family,

care for sisters and brothers;

meet the needs that can be seen,

live, love and serve each other.

How we care well for our own,

our very testimony;

living life as a servant,

humble and faithful to Thee.

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” – (3 John 11)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show us how to seek and serve You. He did not come and place Himself on a pedestal, but rather He loved and served others, even unto His death in our place. Thank You that after You rose and ascended into heaven, You sent Your Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the way we are to go. Thank You too, for Your word that illuminates our path. We have been prepared to pursue You. Forgive us for ignoring known needs that You prompt us to meet, and grant us Your eyes to see others. Teach us to trust You more so that we are quick to care for others, and help us to show hospitality to Your servants. Show us how we are each called to serve. May many come to see You clearly as we walk in obedience to all that You ask. Father, please show us how to pray, love and obey. Amen.

Anne

Dear friends, please also join me in praying for my dear friend, Anne. She was showing signs of kidney failure in the wee hours of the morning, and has been taken to the ER. Father, please be her Comforter, her Healer, and her Peace. Thank You that You know her need and You hear our prayers. Amen.

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