All Through Him

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. – (Romans 11:36, HCSB)

Yes, God made all things. And everything continues through Him and for Him. To God be the glory forever! Amen. – (Romans 11:36, ERV)

Everything comes from Him; everything happens through Him; everything ends up in Him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes. – (Romans 11:36, MSG)

As we draw ever closer to the close of what has been the most challenging school year yet, I cannot help but give God praise for all He has done throughout every day. He has provided strength in our weariness, and hope in spaces of despair. Today, we begin the twenty-day countdown. Twenty more school-day wakeups and the year will be done. I don’t know about you, but when the days remaining are countable on our fingers and toes, it seems far more manageable. This morning, as I prepare for my day, not only do I present my requests for strength and peace and patience and love, but also, I give God praise for all He has done, is doing, and will continue to do. May we rise with purpose and make the most of each day that we draw breath.

Twenty days remain,

Home stretch…

Until we are through;

Year never-ending,

Almost done, it’s true.

God has been faithful,

To provide our needs;

His grace, sufficient,

And His love exceeds.

On the darkest days, 

In Him, was still light;

The song in our hearts,

Hope, love and delight.

Let us choose rise up,

With purpose, go forth;

Love one another,

And bask in God’s warmth.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all things are in You, from You, with You and through You; for You lead, guide, sustain and strengthen us to do more than we ever hoped or imagined. Forgive us for losing sight of the truth of who You are and how You carry us when our strength is gone. Teach us to trust and praise You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love, encourage and support those around us, so that they may know glimpses of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You forever for who You are and how You lovingly lead us through all things. Amen.

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

All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. – John 1:3

His Wisdom

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible is it for us to understand His decisions and His ways! – (Romans 11:33, NLT)

Yes, God’s riches are very great! His wisdom and knowledge have no end! No one can explain what God decides. No one can understand His ways. – (Romans 11:33, ERV)

Who could ever wrap their minds around the riches of God, the depth of His wisdom, and the marvel of His perfect knowledge? Who could ever explain the wonder of His decisions or search out the mysterious way He carries out His plans? – (Romans 11:33, TPT)

 

This is arguably one of the strangest seasons in modern history. Neither our parents, nor grandparents, experienced quite a time such as the one we are living in right now. For many of us, our grandparents lived through the depression, WWII, Vietnam, Polio, and the like, but nothing that ever brought the entire world to a screeching halt, in the same way that this current pandemic has done. Many are left wondering why. Why would this happen? If God is good and just and kind, why allow so many to suffer? This is the space where it is impossible for us to understand the mysterious ways of God. He can bring beauty from something that has caused so much destruction, and good, from something seemingly so horrid. I know not what all of His plans entail, but I do see evidence of the good, all around me. People are intentional to reach out to one another. They are creative and innovative to find ways to help people feel celebrated and loved when they achieve milestones or have birthdays, and there is much philanthropy in the hearts of the community, as so many needs are being met through both individuals and various organizations that have popped up in response to known needs. The “church” is not limited to a building to thrive, and healthy churches are staying connected, holding services online, and reaching out to serve their communities in practical and tangible ways. Though I long for the freedom to travel, especially to go and see my mom, I am grateful that we live in the era we do, where we have access to one another, more than we ever have before. Communication is at the touch of a button, and there are countless methods we can use to stay connected with one another. God is good, and His wisdom supersedes that of humanity. Our plans are not His, nor our ways, His; and trusting Him is what we need most to navigate this season. May we seek the Lord in His wisdom, for He is able to provide all that we need to persevere through the wait.

 

The riches of God,

Are beyond compare;

His wisdom, kindness,

And limitless care.

Though we cannot know,

Why all things occur;

From all can come good,

For God’s love is sure.

In seasons of loss,

In love, He provides;

All that is needed,

As we choose abide.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that all wisdom and knowledge and provision come from You. Thank You that though we do not understand the reason why things happen as they do, You love us through them. Forgive us for our fears, frustrations and doubts. Teach us to trust You; always. Show us how to love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as trust in Your wisdom in every circumstance. Amen.

 

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

 

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. – Job 37:5

Gratitude for All

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. – (Romans 11:36, NIV)

Yes, God made all things. And everything continues through Him and for Him. To God be the glory forever! Amen. – (Romans 11:36, ERV)

And because God is the source and sustainer of everything, everything finds fulfillment in Him. May all praise and honor be given to Him forever! Amen! – (Romans 11:36, TPT)

 

Today is a perfect day to pause and give thanks. Yesterday, and the night before, all of our travels for transition were met with His protection and mercy. My sister and brother-in-love had a crazy drive, as they navigated their way through torrential downpours and electrical storms that illuminated the roadway around them with enormous flashes, until they arrived at 1:30 am. Shortly after they had arrived and settled to sleep, I had woken, seen their text letting me know they had arrived safely, and knew that mom would likely wake soon for a restroom run. Sure enough, within twenty minutes, mom rose and called for me. After I had her set to sleep again, I was able to return to slumber until 5 am. When I woke, the house was silent. Stealthily, I loaded my car and did all that was necessary to prepare for my trip home. Once all was made ready, I went and climbed in mom’s bed beside her and gave her a huge hug. I whispered to see if she might want a quick restroom run prior to my leaving, knowing that Meg and Scott would really need to sleep as long as possible. Happily, she accepted, and she also selected a movie to watch to pass the time until they would rise. My drive home was easy and uneventful, and my reception was wonderful. I was greeted and embraced before I barely had the chance to get out of the car, and had more than an hour to just spend time with my husband, before hopping in the car again to drive 100 miles north to Anacortes, to go pick my boys up from their Sea Scouts long cruise. That drive too, went without incident, and the reunion was a wonderful one. A few hours upon our return home, we took Mark out for a birthday dinner as a family. Joined by our best friends, we had a fantastic evening of celebrating my Love and enjoying the company of each other. Meanwhile, mom, Meg and Scott were utilizing the day to make preparations for the long drive to Oregon today. A highlight and incredible accomplishment achieved in the process was that mom actually walked to the car from the house, and from car into a restaurant with her walker. That was a first for her, and a huge celebratory worthy milestone!

Today, I am especially thankful for the gift of my husband. It is his 50th birthday, and the third year that he has been a part of my life. Hopes and dreams that had all but died, were brought to life again through the gift of this wonderful man. God knew what I needed far better than I did, and Mark’s heart and capacity to love is proportionate to his Viking-size. He is not a man that merely speaks of his love, but far more often, it is through everything that he does and how he supports and encourages and serves that his love is made evident to all. He is a man after God’s own heart, and I cannot imagine what this last several months would have been like without his love and support. May we ever give thanks to God for His love for us, and how He brings all things together. He is good, and indeed He is worthy of our praise.

 

From Him and in Him,

All things come to be;

Our hopes come alive,

And dreams are set free.

The Giver of good,

He loves us so well;

He hears our heart cry,

As in Him, we dwell.

So, seek after God,

And trust in His love;

His goodness exceeds,

All we can dream of.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us so well. Thank You for the blessings of those whom You bring into our lives to show us Your love made tangible. Forgive us for the opportunities we miss to extend the same to those around us. Teach us to listen to You and follow all that You ask, so that our every word and action may be an extension of Your heart, hands and voice to those around us. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You praise for all that You are and all that You do. Amen.

 

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

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

All Glory to God

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. – (Romans 11:36, NIV)

Yes, God made all things. And everything continues through Him and for Him. To God be the glory forever! Amen. – (Romans 11:36, ERV)

For all that exists originates in Him, comes through Him, and is moving toward Him; so give Him the glory forever. Amen. – (Romans 11:36, VOICE)

 

All that is and was and ever will be is because of God. Our existence is through the loving hands of the Lord. His love grants us light and life and love. Goodness and grace lead us to understand how great God is, and compel us to give Him the glory He so justly deserves. May we look to the Lord with thankful hearts and praise Him for the countless ways that He demonstrates His love for us all.

 

All thanks be to God, 

The Maker of all;

Who loves us to life,

Answers when we call.

For all that exists,

Is through His great love;

Light and life and hope,

Gifts sent from above.

All glory to Him,

As we trust His Name;

He’s faithful to do,

All that His word claims.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Maker of all. Thank You that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Forgive us for not giving You the glory that is due, and help us to ever give our praise unto You. Show us how to love those whom You have placed on our path in a way that points their hearts heavenward. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You glory for all that You are and how You love. Amen.

 

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

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17

Grace Unearned

And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is – free and undeserved. – (Romans 11:6, NLT)

And if He chose them by grace, then it is not what they have done that made them His people. If they could be made His people by what they did, His gift of grace would not really be a gift. – (Romans 11:6, ERV)

Grace is central in God’s action here, and it has nothing to do with deeds prescribed by the law. If it did, grace would not be grace. – (Romans 11:6, VOICE)

 

God’s grace at first glance, seems to be a paradox, as how could He possibly give such undeserved goodness and love to a sinner, such as myself. That is the amazing thing about His grace, He gives to the undeserving, and loves without limits. Each time I am made aware of His goodness and grace, I recognize just how incredible His love is for me, despite all of my flaws and failures. Yes, I love Him and long to serve Him, but I am a work in progress, and am far from having “arrived“. Perhaps that is the point. As we recognize our own shortcomings and see how His goodness is complete, we are ever aware of our need for Him in our lives. May we rise up in thanksgiving for God’s goodness and grace, and give Him thanks for the gifts that we’re given, though we deserve them not.

 

We cannot earn grace, 

For God freely gives;

Because He is kind,

We have life to live.

Every good thing,

That comes unto us;

Is thanks to the Lord,

And His Son, Jesus.

There’s nothing we’ll do,

And no words we’ll say;

That can earn His grace,

Or take it away.

All thanks be to God,

For kindness and love;

It is undeserved,

These gifts from above.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your kindness to us. Thank You that it is not given for good works that we do to somehow earn it, but rather You give grace out of the abundance of Your love for us. Thank You that it is free and undeserved, reminding us that You are God and we are not. Forgive us for the times that we either take Your grace for granted, or try to somehow earn our way into a good space before You. Teach us to trust You more, so that all that we say and do is motivated by our love for You. Show us how to love those around us with kindness and grace, so that they too, will long to seek Your face. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive the grace that You freely give, and praise You for who You are. Amen.

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

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

He Won’t Take It Back

For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn. – (Romans 11:29, NLT)

God never changes His mind about the people He calls. He never decides to take back the blessings He has given them. – (Romans 11:29, ERV)

You see, when God gives a grace gift and issues a call to a people, He does not change His mind and take it back. – (Romans 11:29, VOICE)

 

When God calls us and equips us to do that which we are designed to do, He does not change His mind and ask us to change direction. As broken and fallible humans, we often interpret difficulties we face as either a change in His plan, or a removal of His equipping us to do that which we thought we had been called to do. God is not like man that He changes His mind. What He calls us to, He empowers and equips us to do – despite hardship and adversity. Our charge is to persevere and continue to trust Him, even when all that surrounds us no longer seems to make sense. His plans and His ways are far higher and greater than our own, so it doesn’t matter what we see, but rather what we believe that is essential. May we rise up and trust the Lord in all that He has called us to do; for He is for us and He will not remove the gifts that He has given to go forward, nor will He change His mind about us being a part of His plan.

 

The Lord is gracious,

Vandy Massey Watercolor

Gifts given are good;

Granted for purpose,

His call, understood.

To all we are called,

He also equips;

Gives us what we need,

Trust relationship.

He’ll never take back,

Nor choose change His mind;

For what the Lord gives,

We always shall find.

Blessings flow freely,

Of His love and grace;

As we keep moving,

In this lifelong race.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are not like mankind – for You are not fickle nor foolish, and You do not change Your mind. Thank You that when You call us, You equip us, and You do not withdraw either the call nor the gifts granted to move forward, regardless of our decision to stand. Forgive us for our foolishness that would doubt You and the calling and gifts that You place in each of us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would continue to move confidently in the direction to which You have called, trusting that You will walk beside us, lead and guide us, no matter what surrounds us or stands before us. Show us how to love others in the same way that we are loved by You, as Your loving kindness grants us the courage and strength necessary to keep moving in the direction to which we have been called. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust the steadfastness of all that You are and all that You give, as You remain the same both now and forever. 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