Merry Christmas 2019

Merry Christmas blessings to all! Today’s post is going to look a bit different than usual, as I wanted to take the opportunity to send out Christmas greetings and an update for family and friends, near and far, as I found myself in a space of having to let go of the expectation of sending out Christmas cards this year.

Grace is a beautiful thing. Once I realized that the only person who had the expectation of a card being sent was me, I was able to let that “one more thing” go, and be present and enjoy the season.

This year has been all about learning and growing in grace; letting go of expectations of what we thought life would be, and embracing the gifts that come our way each day. At the end of April, my mom suffered a stroke, completely out of the blue. She was in great health, fit, capable, and extraordinarily independent; always on the go. As a result, I was given the grace to take a leave of absence for the majority of the remaining school year, and had the wellness leave to cover the time without loss of pay. Grace was granted financially for my family, as I was afforded time and total support to go and be present with Mom in the beginning of her recovery.  We also were able to visit Mark’s dad in September while he was still doing reasonably well, as we just returned to Wisconsin a few weeks ago for his memorial. Love and loss, blessings and grace; we have been carried well this year, despite the unanticipated obstacles.

Mid-August, Mom moved to Oregon with my sister and her family, while I returned home to my own to prepare for the new school year. She and her family have been loving and caring for Mom with incredible grace.

Both of my boys are now nearly half-way through their senior year, as is my eldest nephew in Oregon. The duo gained their licenses at the close of summer, so there has been a new-found freedom for all. Our eldest, my bonus son, secured a new job in the field of his choosing, and is back to working days, after more than a year of graveyard. It is a wonderful blessing to be able to have family dinners at least a few times each week.

Mark’s twenty-year dream has become a reality over the last few months, as the shop construction is nearly complete. All that remains is wiring, insulation and equipping the shop with all of the various tools he will utilize to practice his trade on the side from home. Daily, he is like a little kid on Christmas morning, as he looks at the shop with awe and gratitude.

As for me, I am continuing my twenty-third year of teaching, currently teaching English, Social Studies and Art. Added to the list this season with joy, is the position of assistant gymnastics coach at the high school my boys attend. I will continue to be the head coach at the middle school where I teach, as the seasons are separate, so I am able to participate in both.

Mom, despite the enormous blow to her health that none of us had anticipated, is a resilient fighter. Her perseverance is paying off, as she is able to walk around with a walker well, and continues to gain strength and work tirelessly to rebuild that which was compromised. We are eagerly awaiting our visit in a few days to celebrate the season with her.

May the grace of God be poured out upon each of you this most wonderful season, as you take pause and reflect on His goodness and grace. Merry Christmas, and blessings of peace to all!

 

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

 

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Far More than Satisfied

Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. – (Psalm 90:14, NIV)

Fill us with Your love every morning. Let us be happy and enjoy our lives. – (Psalm 90:14, ERV)

With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will celebrate every day we are alive. – (Psalm 90:14, VOICE)

 

Being an early riser and one who loves the outdoors, the setting I am in serves me well. Mom’s home is secured on a hill, overlooking the river, surrounded by foothills, with orchards below. The sunrise each morning glows on the hills across from us, and daily, I am reminded of new hope and a fresh start that come with the unfailing love of the Lord. With every sun’s rising, I am surprised with God’s handiwork; as no two sunrises are the same. He varies the cloud formations and color patterns, mixing His palette and providing my eyes and heart with fresh delight daily. In the same way that each new sunrise brings delight, so too does each new day on this journey with mom in her recovery and rehabilitation. The kindness of God grants of reason to celebrate each new day of life that we are given. There is joy in the journey, and new gains each step that we take. Yesterday, mom learned some new exercises in occupational therapy that she can do on her own (which she is thrilled about) and during her speech therapy session, she could do things yesterday that she was unable to do two days earlier! My heart is satisfied with His kindness, even in the moments when I struggle. He reminds me that I am not alone, and that He has us in His hands. Mom is a living miracle, and I have the privilege of watching her miraculous awakening each day.  Additionally, we laugh often, as there are some seriously silly statements that occur when exhaustion hits, and words become difficult to recall. Because I know mom so well, I typically know what she is trying to say, and we just giggle together about the “substitute” word and continue moving forward.

May we recognize Your love with every new rising of the sun, and be satisfied with Your kindness. Help us to celebrate with joy, every day that we are alive.

 

May the break of dawn,

The first light of morn;

Remind us of grace,

Hope when we’re forlorn.

With each brand-new day,

The rise of the sun;

Shows God’s faithfulness,

Before we’ve begun.

His kindness endures,

As we make our way;

Sweet satisfaction,

When covered by grace.

There’s no greater joy,

Love held in His hands;

Our lives a great gift,

To walk out His plan.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless us and renew us each morning with Your unfailing love, and that You are our reason to be glad for all of our days. Forgive us for allowing circumstances to steal our joy or hide our hope, as both hope and joy are found in You alone. Teach us to turn to You in all things and at all times, so that we never miss a sunrise or a miraculous moment that You intend for us to see, that is meant to remind us of Your incredible, infallible love. Show us how to love those around us in a way that celebrates the gift of each new day, and marvels at each minute miracle that You place before us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we sing for joy at the wonders of Your love, and marvel at the miraculous ways in which You move. Amen.

 

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

 

In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly. – Psalm 5:3

The Source of Strength and Courage

“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)

“Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – (Joshua 1:9, ERV)

“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)

 

God’s presence is our protection from fear and discouragement. Knowing His nearness fends off fear and encourages hearts with His strength. His presence is promised wherever we go. In the same way that a small child is comforted and emboldened knowing that a parent is near, we too, in similar fashion, may find peace, comfort and strength as we are aware of our Heavenly Father’s presence. May we ever seek the Lord for strength and courage, as He is faithful to meet us and make His presence known.

 

We are commanded,

Be strong in the Lord;

Do not be afraid,

As love is outpoured.

Ever He is near,

His presence assured;

Where we are lacking,

His strength is secured.

Rise up, be fearless,

In faith choose press on;

God faithfully leads,

Strength when ours is gone.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to lead, strengthen and encourage us always, and You never leave us or forsake us. Thank You that we need not fear nor be discouraged, as You hold us in Your hands. Forgive us for our fearfulness and losing heart, as we lose sight of the truth of how powerful You truly are. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will find strength and courage in knowing Your nearness, even when we cannot feel You near nor see how You are moving on our behalf. Show us how to love those around us in a way that offers strength and courage when it is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust Your faithful presence and provision, no matter what comes our way. Amen.

 

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

 

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – 2 Samuel 22:33

Sweet Wisdom for the Soul

My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short. – (Proverbs 24:13-14, NLT)

My son, eat honey; it is good. Honey straight from the honeycomb is the sweetest. In the same way, know that wisdom is good for you. Wisdom will give you something to home for that will not disappoint you. – (Proverbs 24:13-14, ERV)

Eat honey, dear child – it’s good for you – and delicacies that melt in your mouth. Likewise, knowledge and wisdom for your soul – Get that and your future’s secured, your hope is on solid rock. – (Proverbs 24:13-14, MSG)

 

Wisdom is to the soul, what honey is to the mouth. The sweet satisfaction that comes from truly knowing and understanding that there is a hope and a future when our hearts are held in Christ’s hands, will not disappoint. There is peace in His presence, and comfort in His company. He provides wisdom where it is lacking if we seek Him, and secures our soul as we pursue all that He is offering. May we seek the sweet satisfaction that comes from the wisdom that God alone provides, and celebrate the security we know when our hope is held in Him.

 

As honey’s to taste, 

So wisdom’s to soul;

There is a sweetness,

As God’s hope unfolds.

For wisdom reveals,

A future secure;

Shows us that in Christ,

We’ve nothing to fear.

Ever seek wisdom,

It won’t disappoint;

As eternal hope,

Is wisdom’s viewpoint.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that knowing You and the future that You have for us is sweet for our soul. Thank You that You have a hope and a future for every one of us. Forgive us for not pursuing You and Your plans, as we often fear what we do not know. Teach us to trust You more, as You are always good. Show us how to love those around us in a way that shares hope and encouragement, so that they too, may recognize the sweetness held in Your wisdom. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue Your wisdom to provide our hope, as it does not disappoint. Amen.

 

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

 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. – Psalm 34:8

 

Our Reason to Rejoice

But I will still be glad in the Lord and rejoice in God my Savior. – (Habakkuk 3:18, ERV)

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! – (Habakkuk 3:18, NLT)

 

This passage in Habakkuk reminds me that no matter what is going on around me, my reason to rejoice is not circumstantial. My joy comes from knowing that my future is forever secure in Christ. No matter what goes on around me, He who is in me, is greater. Regardless of trial or triumph, my joy comes from Christ alone. May we go forth this day and be glad, knowing that our hope is held by He who hung the stars in the sky and He has our future in the palm of His hands.

 

Today I choose joy,

For the Lord is good;

No matter what comes,

My hope’s understood.

Reason to rejoice,

Is found in the Lord;

For He is my hope,

The One I adore.

Because the Lord saves,

I can rest assured;

No matter what comes,

My future’s secured.

All thanks be to God,

From Whom blessings flow;

Let our hearts rejoice,

In the truth we know.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we have reason to be glad and rejoice. Thank You that our joy comes not from our circumstances, but rather from our salvation and hope that is found in You. Forgive us for thinking that joy is dependent on what is going on around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would know the fullness of the joy that is found in knowing You. Show us how to love others in such a way, that we may share the joy of our salvation with them too. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in You rather than that which surrounds us. 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

 

 

Prepare and Trust

Do your best, prepare for the worst – then trust God to bring victory. – (Proverbs 21:31, MSG)

Go ahead and prepare for conflict, but victory comes from God. – (Proverbs 21:31, TLB)

 

When we know a trial or struggle stands before us, we are called to rise up and do what we can do. However, ultimately, we must trust God to provide the strength and success in whatever we are facing, as He is the Rock on which we can stand. May we rise up and ready our hearts for whatever lies before us, trusting that God is our victor, and He has the very best for us as we forge forward in faith.

 

The battles will come,

Of this, rest assured;

But do not lose heart,

Success is secured.

For we need not fret,

In the heat of mess;

If we trust the Lord,

And give it our best.

Whatever we lack,

The Lord has and more;

So rise up in faith,

See what is in store.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You meet us in our need, no matter what we are facing. Thank You that You call us to prepare for the worst and trust for the best. Thank You that in all things, You are present with us, seeing us through. Forgive us for our lack of faith when we cannot clearly see evidence of Your hands. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You in every moment of each day, knowing that You are with us and for us.  Show us how to love and support those that You place in our path so that they might see You through our words and deeds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we prepare and trust in the goodness of You. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope Postponed

Hope postponed grieves the heart… – (Proverbs 13:12a, NLT)

 

I know far too many folks who are in the midst of a season of grief. The hope that they had held, seems to be slipping away. Such enormous grief accompanies the loss of something that was held in hope for so long, that to the one who is grieving, it feels as if the weight will never relent. As one who has walked through that space of postponed hope and overwhelming grief, I can attest to the promise that He hears and provides comfort as He loves us back to life once again. Where hope was buried in the burden of pain, God gave comfort and restored the hope that was all but lost. One breath at a time, one moment, one hour, one day… Each a provision of the hand of the Lord to restore what was lost and broken, as He continually loved. May our prayer mirror that of Psalm 10:17, that states, “Lord, You know the hopes of the helpless. Surely You will hear their cries and comfort them.”

 

When death’s ugly door,

Stares you in the face;

There’s nowhere to run,

No place that seems safe.

Yet despite hope lost,

We may rest assured;

When we are in Christ,

Our hope is secured.

No matter the height,

Nor depth that we fall;

In Christ there is hope,

To overcome all.

For He is our Rock,

Redeemer and friend;

Pulls us from the pit,

With us to the end.

Though sorrow may come,

Our hope shall remain;

Forever in Christ,

As we trust His Name.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that despite how we feel, our hope remains in You. Thank You that in the midst of trials, grief and struggles, You are our anchor that keeps us secure. Thank You that You hear every cry and provide comfort to those who call on You. Forgive us for losing sight of hope in You when our grief is great. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would rely on the truth of what is known, rather than what is simply seen. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they would come to know that there is always hope in You who hears every cry. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You for comfort in our grief, and seek You in our struggles. Be our hope to hold forever, Lord God. Amen.

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

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

Strength and Peace

The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NLT)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

We ask You, Eternal One, to give strength to Your people; Eternal One, bless them with the gift of peace. – (Psalm 29:11, VOICE)

 

When I read a passage of scripture, I often opt to read multiple translations of the text. Often, I find new insight or perhaps a perspective that I had not seen before, as His word further comes to life through time invested. This morning is no exception. What I love about the above verse and the three different translations, is that the truth that is being expressed is the same, yet how it is conveyed seems to take on a variation in purpose. All three are clear in that God gives both strength and peace to those who are His. How that message is expressed, seems to have three different purposes in the three different translations.

The first, “The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.” (NIV) is a solid statement of faith. God is, and He does. The second, “May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace.” (ERV) feels more like a blessing or a benediction. Lastly, the final translation, “We ask You, Eternal One, to give strength to Your people; Eternal One, bless them with the gift of peace.” (VOICE) very much is presented as a prayer. The words are full of encouragement, whether as a statement, blessing or prayer. God is indeed our source of strength and peace, and He blesses us with both when we seek Him. May we lift our eyes to the Lord and trust in His unfailing love, allowing His strength and peace to be poured out upon us as we go forth.

 

The Lord is our strength,

our blessing of peace;

when all is awry,

He is our release.

Always He’s faithful,

our hope is assured;

our lives in His hands,

where future’s secured.

Let His peace come reign,

as He makes us strong;

let our very lives,

sing out His love song.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us strength and You bless us with peace. Thank You that when we belong to You, we can come to You in prayer, we can boldly state the truth, and we can speak Your words over others too. Forgive us for not seeking or resisting what You are offering. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our Source of strength and peace, and the place where we find rest and restoration within our hearts and minds. Show us how to live and love so that we may offer strength and peace to people who do not yet know You. May many be drawn into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we embrace the blessings of Your strength and peace that You pour out upon us. Amen.

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

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13

Hope in Early Rising

I wake before dawn and call for help; I hope in Your words. – (Psalm 119:147, VOICE)

I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in Your words. – (Psalm 119:147, NLT)

 

From the moment I first rise, my mind begins to race with all that I have to do throughout the day. If I were left to my own devices, I would surely self-combust on most of them. However, for me, each day begins with what matters most, as I am intentional to slow my heart and mind, and settle in to focus on God and His word. In the quiet stillness of the early morning, while the world still sleeps, I read the words written from His heart to mine, and He whispers encouragement, instruction, and correction that draw me ever closer unto Him. My hope continues to grow, the more I come to see and know, just how great our God truly is. He is my help and my hope, and He hears every word whispered from the depths of my heart. May each new day greet you with a revelation of His presence, as you become more and more aware of how He is at the ready – waiting and willing to hear every cry of your heart.

 

Before the dawn breaks,

the Lord is so near;

ready as we wake,

as we speak, He’ll hear.

When we call on Him,

our hope is assured;

the truth of His word,

where peace is secured.

No matter what comes,

or what lies ahead;

when Christ is with us,

we‘ve nothing to dread.

Even in trials,

in hardships and pain;

the Lord takes our hand,

His hope shall remain.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we rise early to call on You, You meet us, and provide Your promises of hope in Your word. Thank You that Your presence is assured when we place our trust in You. Thank You that no matter what comes, You promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Forgive us for not bringing our needs before You and trying to take Your rightful place. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will place all things in Your hands, and trust You to lead and guide us in the ways in which we are meant to go. Show us how to love people through their pain, so that their hearts might seek after You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rise early to spend time with You and study Your word, as it is in this space where our hope grows greater in You. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

To Give Thanks

As I read again in Matthew 26-27, the account of all that Jesus endured on my behalf, I could not help but be overwhelmed with gratitude.  No matter the trials nor struggles that we face, in Christ, our hope is secure forever! Forever is far beyond the limited existence of anything that I may face in the here and now.  Though struggles and trials are real and can leave the soul feeling ravaged, we have a Savior who has promised to be with us, even in the worst of times, who will never leave us nor forsake us.  He will fight on our behalf and be our strength when we are weak.  He is our strength and our song, and the very breath that we breathe.  Why wouldn’t we give Him all of our thanks and praise?

 

For eternal exchange,

the pain He endured; give thanks.

For protection and peace,

our future secured; give thanks.

For the help and the hope,

Love’s true offerings; give thanks.

For grace and redemption,

our dear Savior brings; give thanks.

For fresh starts and new life,

and His healing touch; give thanks.

For the dawn of new days,

He’s given so much; give thanks.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Your one and only Son.  Thank You that You loved so much that You made a way for us to return to a right relationship with You.  Thank You Jesus, for all that You willingly endured in my place.  Forgive us for taking all that You have given for granted, and help us to go forth each day with hearts overflowing with gratitude.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we may be ever more aware of Your presence and Your promises as we learn to rely on You.  Lead us to love one another out of the overflow of the love that You have lavished upon us. May many come to know the glory and grace that is available to all who seek Your face.  Be exalted O God, as we give You all of our thanks and praise.

 

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

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