Patient Endurance Through Love

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NIV)

We pray that the Lord will cause you to feel God’s love and remember Christ’s patient endurance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ERV)

Now may the Lord move your hearts into a greater understanding of God’s pure love for you and into Christ’s steadfast endurance. – (2 Thessalonians 3:5, TPT)

God’s love and Christ’s perseverance are necessary in all aspects of our lives. Right now, it is needed to navigate the adolescence of a ninety pound labrador. I have never met a more intelligent or stubborn dog in my life. Training is easy, as he understands EVERYTHING, but his decision to comply or not, is the struggle. There is a fine balance of love and patient endurance required to navigate our days. Sometimes, he is a loving sweet snuggler, yet other times, he is a feisty, tantrum throwing toddler. I imagine God sees us in much the same way. His love is unending, despite our stubbornness, even when we understand what we are called to do. Perhaps this pup came into our lives to remind us just how great God’s love is and how much we need Him to help us patiently persevere. We know this is a season, and that there will come a day when our giant puppy is calm and ready to be reasonable all of the time. God sees us with an unhindered love that patiently endures through all of our stubbornness and willful disobedience. May we seek Him for love and perseverance in the spaces where it does not come easily, and trust in Him to supply all that we need to navigate according to His good and perfect will.

May the Lord guide us,

In His perfect will;

With love and patience,

Lord grant us Your fill.

Through each new season,

We’re called to endure;

To love like Jesus,

Trust that He is near.

He fills us with love,

And strength to press on;

To love all people,

Spur each other on.

Lord, help us to pray,

To turn unto You;

For strength and patience,

To love as You do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You, You lovingly meet us and direct our hearts in Your love and perseverance for all things. Forgive us for our lack of patience and love when we meet adversity. Teach us to trust and seek You to be our Supply. Show us how to love with patient endurance in every situation and season. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray for Your loving kindness and patience to be what we share with all. Amen.

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

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. – Proverbs 19:11

Present in All

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, VOICE)

This morning, this is a reminder to myself of what is true. A week and a half ago, we placed our puppies in the care of trainers for a three-week board and train program. Yesterday evening, we received a message that it might not work out for one of our dogs. The thing is, we trusted that the trainers were professionals and would be able to aid us in correcting some undesired behaviors, as well as guide us through additional obedience training. Now, after a sizable investment and emotional turmoil, we may be bringing our doggos home, requiring us to begin again with the search for how to best train our sweet puppies to peacefully coexist with each other and be mindful of what is being asked of them. Right now, after a reasonable night’s sleep, I cannot help but trust that God knows our needs and perhaps this was not the best fit or solution, and He will be with us as we walk out this process. Today, I will trust that He will provide the strength, courage and tenacity to do whatever we need to do that is best for our family. No matter the outcome, God will be with us. What matters most is that we listen to His leading and follow through. To some, this may seem trivial, however, for us, our dogs are a huge part of our family. God knows our needs and I will trust Him as we go today. May we ever choose strength, courage and resilience rather than fear or discouragement. For He will remain with us wherever we go.

Be not discouraged,

Choose faith over fear;

The Lord has promised,

He’ll always be near.

No matter what lies,

Ahead in our lives;

The Lord has His best,

True hope realized.

The things that matter,

That pull our heart strings;

Also God’s concern,

And answers He’ll bring.

Today I choose trust,

I know the Lord cares;

He’ll lead us in love,

Through answers He shares.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us to be strong and courageous in You. Thank You that You love and care for all creatures that You created. Thank You that You are faithful to show us how to care best for all that You bless us with. Forgive us for our anger and frustration over something that may be for the best. Teach us to trust You more as we walk out each new day, seeking to follow after You and all that You have for us. Show us how to love in such a way that we extend Your goodness and grace in all that we do and say. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we continue to trust in You. Amen.

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

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. – 1 Thessalonians 3:12

United in Love

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no division among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV) 

Brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg all of you to agree with each other. You should not be divided into different groups. Be completely joined together again with the same kind of thinking and the same purpose. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, ERV) 

I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common. – (1 Corinthians 1:10, MSG) 

This, this is my heart every single day, as I watch the ongoing debates on social media about the current state of our nation and our world. We are currently a nation divided. My heart breaks a little more each day, as I observe people whom I love and care for, deeply, arguing about the validity of our lockdowns, and questioning the severity of this virus. Is it reasonable to ask questions? Absolutely! Is it right to end up arguing in such a way that it becomes personal, rather than simply a discussion of information that exists? As far as I know, when people begin to bash one another for who they are, rather than civilly discuss, or agree to disagree, there is no love involved in the interaction. I do not have all of the answers, nor do I know what is best for the nation or the world, but I do know that we are called to love. Love does not name-call nor make horrible accusations of a person’s character, simply for having a different opinion. Love listens and learns and is willing to seek to understand the “why” behind each individual’s thought process. If our purpose is to love God and love people, how might we do that best, even others see things differently, or have opinions that delineate from our own, or from that which is most widely accepted? In as much as I can understand; love anyway. If our united purpose is love, then please, let us love well. Love takes the high road, turns the other cheek, and loves thy neighbor as thyself. Where can we love better? May we seek the Lord and His wisdom, so that we might get along, being considerate of one another, and cultivate lives intent on loving well. 

When differing views, 

Start to cause dissent; 

One has to question, 

What is the intent? 

If love’s our purpose, 

Then let us unite; 

Choose listen and learn, 

In love, take delight. 

Each of us crafted, 

Uniquely designed; 

Created to love, 

With purpose in mind. 

Brothers and sisters, 

Let us find a way; 

To love each other, 

And mind what we say. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are each created with the purpose to be united in love. Thank You that we are uniquely gifted and crafted, yet each have something significant to offer the whole. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed differing views, perspectives, or opinions to get in the way of unity. Teach us how to listen and learn from one another, be okay with not always seeing eye-to-eye, and above all, how to choose to love people first. Show us how to love those around us best. Help us know when to engage in conversations that can be productive, and when to remain silent and choose to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and seek You to lead us to be united in love with those around us. Amen.  

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

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ. – Colossians 2:2

Hope in Unfailing Love

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. – (Psalm 33:22, NIV)

Yes, Lord, let Your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in You alone. – (Psalm 33:22, TLB)

Let Your love and steadfast kindness overshadow us continually, for we trust and wait upon You! – (Psalm 33:22, TPT)

 

It has been a painfully long week. Students have been struggling to choose well in a few of my classes, and yesterday seemed to be the crux that led to two ugly scenarios. The first resulted in a pair of students being removed from my classroom, despite multiple opportunities to make a change and choose well, followed by a horrendous fight that involved a student from another classroom who was let into my room during the final few minutes of the day. It was a shocking and horrible end to an otherwise reasonable day, and I was grateful for gymnastics practice after school with a great group of girls, that was to follow a quick debrief with my colleague in the classroom next door. Despite the events that left me questioning my sanity and career choice, I was aware of God’s unfailing love for me, as He always has a way of making it tangible. My fellow coaches, who are dear friends, were fabulous, kind and compassionate. Another friend and colleague who helps intervene with situations such as the two that took place during my day, intentionally made way to the gym to check-in with me and debrief. After practice, just prior to returning to my classroom to complete the paperwork for the fight, I received a text message from another friend on staff who had been in the office when the kids involved were brought in, and she was making sure that I was okay. Steadfast kindness is my reminder to continue to hope and trust in Him. Though I know not what the future holds, I trust that He has good plans, and that His kindness and love will not continue to keep me in such spaces of distress. He is good, and because He loves me well, I will continue to choose to love.

 

God’s unfailing love,

The hope for our days;

Shows reasons to trust,

Faithfulness always.

No matter what comes,

The Lord’s always near;

He’s present to help,

Each request, He hears.

Choose wait on the Lord,

Place all hope in Him;

Kind, faithful, steadfast,

True love always wins.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, faithful, kind and Your steadfast love never ends. Thank You that as we come to You and place our trust in You, You hear us and are present with us. Thank You that though bad things happen, You never leave us nor forsake us. Forgive us for our frustration with the brokenness of this world. Teach us to trust You and keep moving forward in love. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend what is needed most to hurting hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your unfailing love forever, and give You praise for Your presence that You make tangible. Amen.

 

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

 

Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of Your unfailing love. – Psalm 6:4

 

 

Monumental Hope

With God’s power working in us, He can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. – (Ephesians 3:20, ERV)

God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! – (Ephesians 3:20, MSG)

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for His miraculous power constantly energizes you. – (Ephesians 3:20, TPT)

 

Right now, my requests and hopes and dreams seem monumental. Originally, I did not think they were so far-fetched, yet as I have attempted to pursue possibilities to meet the needs of my own family, I am finding closed doors and discovering that what I thought was reasonable, is really a God-sized ask. I know God is greater than our circumstances and that He can make a way where there seems to be no way. I am trusting Him, but this morning, I again find myself weary after a second near-sleepless night in a row. God is faithful, and He has never let me down yet. Despite lack of sleep yesterday, I had the energy I needed to do all that He called me to do. He knows what we need, far better than we do ourselves, and I have to give Him my renewed trust each morning.

Physical therapy went well yesterday, as mom again conquered the entire length of her hallway by herself. Each time she does it, it is stronger and smoother than the time prior. Additionally, she did strong work with her various exercises and stretches both during her appointment and throughout the day. Shortly after Nick left, mom looked at me and said, “Let’s get out of here!” I was certainly not about to argue. We began with our usual drive through Dutch Bros, followed by a trip to Safeway. Much to my surprise and delight, she agreed to come into the store with me. It was still quiet in the store, so we roamed freely and filled the small basket that I was carrying as I pushed her around, to overflowing. Mom was pleased to actually see and decide for herself, what groceries would go into the cart. From there, I thought she would want to go home, but to my surprise, she directed me to drive on another scenic adventure around parts of Wenatchee I had not yet explored. It was wonderful and light, as we laughed often and soaked in the views. As we turned on the main road home, mom saw some dear friends walking their dog, and she asked me to stop so that she could say hello. Our quick stop turned into an invitation for the two to join us later in the afternoon for a visit. By the time we returned home, it was already lunchtime. After the groceries were put away and lunch had been eaten, mom determined that a rest would be wise, so she took a  snooze for a bit. We had a lovely visit with her friends that took us to dinner time, then another evening of movies and stretching before bed. The biggest ask for mom is her ongoing healing and for clear direction and orchestration as to where she will be next. We are fairly certain she will spend a season at my sister’s in Albany, but there are details to orchestrate and of course there is timing to determine. May we continue to seek our Savior, who can do so much more than we ask or imagine.

 

O God, unto You,

Again, I choose trust;

With all of my hopes,

For You, Lord, are just.

And far beyond that,

You are merciful;

Bless undeserving,

Make life beautiful.

You take the weary,

The broken, the lost;

And loved with Your life,

Paid ultimate cost.

Now You are seated,

On Your rightful throne;

Loving and blessing,

Beyond what we’ve known.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You bless us beyond what we could ever hope or imagine. Thank You that You hear our every prayer; that not one whisper or utterance of the heart goes unheard by You. Forgive us for feeling defeated when things seem impossible, for You are the God that makes all things possible. Teach us to trust You more. Show us how to love those around us in ways that encourage those who are discouraged and strengthens those who are weary. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our hearts, hopes and lives in Your hands, trusting that You will do abundantly more than we could hope or imagine. Amen.

 

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

 

Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. – Psalm 9:10

Let Love Lead the Way

This is my command: Love each other. – (John 15:17, NIV)

But remember the root command: Love one another. – (John 15:17, MSG)

So this is My parting command: Love one another deeply! – (John 15:17, TPT)

 

These were the words of Jesus to all who chose to follow Him. Christ’s command for us has remained the same throughout the ages. Most of the time, this is a reasonable rule to follow. However, what I am discovering in my current existence, is that I am far more sensitive to “waves”, and have little tolerance for that “one more thing”. My fuse is short, and I go from “fine” to wanting to throat punch people in a matter of mere moments. No, I would not actually follow through, but my frustration level ignites far too quickly, and anger seems to rise, where normally patience and problem-solving reside. I imagine much of it is this space of feeling so unsettled, as I am being pulled back and forth between mom in Wenatchee, and home with my husband and children. (Even more so, as my husband is away this week while I am home.) Yesterday, I had two separate incidents that ignited the fire within, that really should not have ruffled my feathers as much as they did. Thankfully, those around me were gracious, and my recovery was quick, yet it is unnerving to find myself so easily frustrated by things that normally would be easily navigated.

Mom continues to persevere and put in the work to pursue a full recovery. Yesterday she had occupational therapy and a visit from the nurse, as well as a wonderful visit from one of her dearest friends and her husband. Much laughter is shared between Meg and mom, and it is a joy to hear them giggle as we check in with one another on the phone. We are blessed that mom has always modeled how to love one another deeply, and it has been taken to heart. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and peace, so that we may go forth in love, no matter what comes our way.

 

Called and commanded,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

To go forth in love;

To love each other,

Like the Lord above.

Do so with a grace,

That wants nothing back;

Seeking to fill up,

Where there is a lack.

Love with a patience,

That passes on peace;

Fill one another,

Let kindness increase.

In all that we do,

And all that we say;

Fill our hearts O God,

So love leads the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You not only call us, but You command us to love. Thank You that You equip us for everything that You ask us to do. Thank You that You empower us to love, because You first loved us. Forgive us for our lack of love when things don’t go our way, or when our circumstances close in on us and begin to overwhelm us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would continuously place all things in Your loving and capable hands. Show us how to love those around us in a way that best communicates to their hearts, the depth and breadth of Your love for each of them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your love so that we may generously and abundantly give Your love away. Amen.

 

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

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

God’s Wisdom

Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. – (James 3:17, MSG)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. – (James 3:17, NLT)

 

True wisdom that is gained as we trust in God, is made evident by the fruit that it bears. When we walk in that which the Lord provides, our lives demonstrate the character of Christ. The wisdom of God leads to a holy life that is displayed through gentleness and peace, and our every interaction with others overflow with mercy and blessings, and are always sincere. May we ever seek the Lord and His wisdom, so that we may live holy lives, characterized by mercy and goodness to all.

 

The wisdom of God,

photo by the fabulous Dee Jones of Open Door Photography

 

Brings a holy life;

Full of gentleness,

Our calmer of strife.

He’s full of mercy,

And great blessings too;

He’s always sincere,

For His love is true.

So let us seek Him,

Both now and always;

Our source of wisdom,

For all of our days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that real wisdom comes from You. Thank You that when we seek You, You meet us and transform us to become more like You. Thank You that as we are transformed, we begin to live more like You. Thank You that wisdom leads to a holy life that is gentle and peace loving, full of mercy and goodness to others. Forgive us for failing to listen to the wisdom You provide, and for being harsh or unkind. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would love as You love. Show us how to be full of mercy, extending gentleness and peace at all times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and Your wisdom to lead us and guide us as we go forth each day. Amen.

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

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

Seek to Find Rest in Him

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. – (Psalm 62:5)

Rest is a rare commodity during the school year. It seems as though each day is thoroughly scheduled, leaving little time for rest. I rise early, to be intentional to protect my precious time with God, and I attempt to go to bed at a reasonable time each night, so as to not push myself to the point of exhaustion too soon. Typically, there are wonderful windows of rest that appear, unannounced, and I try to enjoy each one as it comes. The only challenge with this constant motion, is that if I get sick, it becomes a bit of a push to keep pressing forward. Everything in me wants to stop and sleep, but life dictates that I continue to do that which I am called to do.

God is remarkable at providing the rest that we need, just when we need it the most. This past week, I have been fighting some sort of cold or sinus yuck. I have not given in to the temptation to simply stop everything and sleep, and here it is Friday and I have a scheduled in-service day with no workshop to attend, and a women’s retreat that begins this evening. My body and soul will both be refueled, as my hope is firmly held in Him. Though it is likely to be a busy weekend, there are long gaps between sessions, where I could actually nap if necessary. (Anyone who knows me well, is likely laughing out loud at that thought!) I know that the sort of rest that I will find in Him in a space of actively seeking, will be far greater and more beneficial, than anything that a mere nap could ever provide. May we place our hope in God alone, as He is where we find rest when we grow weary.

To enter His rest,

our souls need to seek;

our great God alone,

space of calm retreat.

For He is our hope,

what the weary need;

He comes where we are,

and in love, He’ll lead.

Lead us to stillness,

where we will find rest;

and show us again,

how You love us best.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can find rest in You alone. Thank You that our hope comes from You. Thank You that when we seek You, we find You. Thank You that You lovingly lead us to places of rest when we are weighed down by weariness. Forgive us for attempting to press on and press through, rather than seeking You for the rest that our soul so desperately needs. Teach us how to trust You more, so that we will seek You and listen to Your leading, to find the places of rest that You are providing. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they too, might come to know the hope that is found in the amazing gift of grace that You give. May many choose to live for You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to find rest, and place all our hope in You. Amen.

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

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like you? – Psalm 71:19

Constructive Permission

“Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. – (1 Corinthians 10:23)

 

There are many things that are neither good nor bad, they just are. For some, they bring forth benefit, yet for others, they can lead to detriment. These gray areas are the places where the rubber meets the road and we must rely on the Holy Spirit, and listen to His instructions for us, individually. What is acceptable and reasonable for one, may be unacceptable and off limits for another; not because God has a double standard, but because He knows where each heart goes when we partake in various fodder and festivities. May we each seek the Lord and His direction in all that we do, being sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, so that we partake only in the permissible things that are beneficial for us, individually.

 

Though much is allowed,

not all things grant gain;

what’s okay for one,

brings another pain.

It matters to God,

that we seek and ask;

understand His will,

prior to a task.

Lord please help us see,

the gray through Your eyes;

so that we are clear,

on “yays” and “denied”.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though all things are permissible, You show us what is not beneficial nor constructive. Thank You that when we ask, You answer. Forgive us for thinking that because something is “permissible” that it is acceptable for us individually without seeking You first. Teach us to trust You enough to come before You in all things and at all times, seeking Your will for all that we do. Help us to hear You clearly and to obey what You ask. Lead us to love others, just as You so perfectly have loved each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we partake in only that which You deem permissible for us individually. 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