Great Things

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. – (Psalm 126:3, NIV)

Yes, we will be happy because the Lord did a great thing for us. – (Psalm 126:3, ERV)

We shook our heads/ All of us were stunned – the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful. – (Psalm 126:3, VOICE)

After months of waiting and planning, tomorrow is now only a day away! Our dearest friends moved to Texas on January 1^st, and we have been waiting for spring break to arrive. At long last, tomorrow is the day. God has provided the time and resources to travel to spend our break together. Our joy is increased in the anticipation of being reunited. The thing is, He has done great things in the waiting, and the ultimate joy is found in knowing Him. He has supplied the strength and stamina to press on, even through the most challenging times, and has brought us to a space where rest and refreshment are within reach. This morning, I am refreshed in His presence and renewed in the hope of all that He has for us. Though today will be a very long day, I am looking forward to it, as conferences are a great time to see students with their parents, and to catch up on paperwork in between. God is good, and He is the One who fills us with His joy. May we ever take notice of all that He has done, and give thanks from hearts full of joy from knowing how good He truly is.

So great are the things,

God has done for us;

He has brought us here,

Showed us we can trust.

Trust in His goodness,

Know He will provide;

In Him there is joy,

As we choose abide.

Abide in His love,

Give thanks for all things;

Hope everlasting,

Through love He does bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your outpouring of goodness and grace that carries and sustains us through all of our days. Thank You for the joy that You plant deep within us, and then water and grow it as we come to know You more. Forgive us for the times that we allow our circumstances to steal our joy. Please fill us anew as we go forth today and lead us in the overwhelming love that You have given so that we may do likewise. Show us how to love and care for those around us as You intended, and may each come to know the joy found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the great things You have done and continue to do, and may our joy be contagious to those around us. Amen.

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

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. – Psalm 28:7

Strength to Soar

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. – (Isaiah 40:31, ERV)

But those that wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. – (Isaiah 40:31, MSG)

Today is our final regular school day before spring break. We end the week with a day and a half of conference but knowing that this is our last teaching day until April 10^th is a reminder of the hope that rest and renewal is coming. When I think about eagles and how they fly, I am reminded that while in flight, they flap their wings for a time, but then they coast and ride the wind from their work. It is a continuous cycle of work and rest as they soar. For us, we are meant to do the same. To run and not grow weary is a great reminder that even in a marathon, there are water stations that provide refreshment to keep the runners from growing weary from dehydration. God is our ultimate refreshment and He shows us the patterns and rhythms we are meant to live by so that we may keep moving forward in His strength. Though I am tired this morning after a very busy start to the week, I am strengthened in knowing that rest is coming. May we ever seek the Lord to be our hope, for His plan for us is to soar and be strengthened in His love.

To wait on the Lord,

Is to trust His plans;

In times of toiling,

In His strength we stand.

Each day that we seek,

He’s faithful to meet;

Providing fresh strength,

In Him we’re complete.

The Lord grants us wings,

To rise up and soar;

His strength is supplied,

In Him we have more.

More strength to press on,

In what we’re to do;

Hope everlasting,

In Him we’re made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You we find rest and renewal and strength to keep moving forward. Thank You that You supply strength and rest when we need it most. Forgive us for allowing weariness to try to consume us rather than seeking You for rest. Teach us how to find a rhythm of work and rest that keeps us from growing weary. Show us how to press into Your loving kindness to be our strength. Lead us in Your love to strengthen, encourage and extend refreshment to those around us. Be glorified O God, as we depend on You to be our strength and supply in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Needs to Navigate Each New Day

The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, HCSB)

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

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

Strength and peace are exactly the things that are needed to navigate this day. It has been an incredibly long week, and what I thought were my weekend plans, may or may not be. Part of God’s strength comes through the wisdom He provides, and then the power to pursue the path that He presents. Our plans are not always His plans, but His purpose for us remains constant. When things are uncertain, I have to choose trust. As I do, He grants strength and provides peace to keep moving forward. Right now, I am so grateful for the strength that He supplied to sustain me throughout the week, and can trust that He will continue to be faithful today. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He provides His strength and peace each new day.

God grants us the strength,

To keep pressing on;

His peace and presence,

Are what make us strong.

He strengthens our hearts,

And makes sound our minds;

As His perfect peace,

Comes and dwells inside.

So, choose seek the Lord,

And all of His grace;

He’s our Provider,

To stay in the race.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of strength and peace. Thank You that Your goodness and grace are not dependent on our circumstances. You know and understand weariness and exhaustion, and You know best how to provide what we need. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations that come when we do not fully trust. Teach us to cling to You, for You supply all that we need to navigate each new day. Show us how to strengthen and encourage those around us, and make Your peace present through our love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength and peace, as You sustain and uplift us each new day. Amen.

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

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6

The Rightness of Rain

He covers the sky with clouds; He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. – (Psalm 147:8, NIV)

He fills the sky with clouds. He sends rain to the earth. He makes the grass grow on the mountains. – (Psalm 147:8, ERV)

He fills the sky with clouds, sending showers to water the earth so that the grass springs up on the mountain fields and the earth produces food for man. – (Psalm 147:8, TPT)

This morning, as I peered out into the darkness and let my pup out to take care of business, I was shocked to see the ground saturated from rain, after the last few weeks of sunshine. For a moment, my heart sank a bit, as I had a minute of mourning at the passing of such sweet sunny days. Once I caught the delightful aroma of the cleansing rain, I was reminded that the change is actually a good thing, as the rain waters the earth, and it also cleanses the pollen from the air. Though I prefer the sunshine, the rain too, serves a positive purpose and is good. God gives us both, for each has a benefit to behold. New growth is necessary and good, and the sun grants light and energy to foster the growing that takes place when water has been supplied. Each new season is the same for us. We may grow fond of the season we find ourselves in, yet change is good as it challenges us to keep growing. May we seek the Lord and give Him thanks for each new season as it comes, and praise God for how He provides all that we need to be nourished and to continue to grow.

As the rains fall down,

And waters the earth;

All things are prepared,

For growth and new birth.

Cleansing refreshment,

His blessings supplied;

The changing seasons,

As grace is applied.

So, let the rains come,

Praise God for the new;

Water for our souls,

As His love shines through.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithful rain that waters the earth and causes new to grow. Thank You for the blessings beheld in each new season. Forgive us for our frustration with change, for change is exactly what is used to grow us more like You. Teach us to lean into You and give You thanks for all things new, for You are present and good to lead us through. Show us how to love those around us like a refreshing rain, so that all may be nourished to grow. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the cleansing rain that falls to refresh and bring new growth. Amen.

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

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His Name’s sake. – Psalm 23:3

Loyal Love that Lasts

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. – (Psalm 100:5, NIV)

The Lord is good! There is no end to His faithful love. We can trust Him forever and ever! – (Psalm 100:5, ERV)

For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and forever. – (Psalm 100:5, MSG)

 

This morning as I woke, I was a bit startled to realize that light was streaming in through our bedroom window, as I checked the time, amazed that I had slept in until nearly 7:30 am. When the body is conditioned for a 3:15 am wake-up, anything past 6:00 am is a rarity. Even more shocking, was a look at my sleep record in my Fitbit app, only to discover that I had slept a bit over eight hours for the first time since August 16th! Clearly my body needed the rest, and God in His goodness, provided. Even during the busiest weeks, God is faithful and worthy of our trust. Each day He supplied all that was needed to navigate each day, and last evening, after work, practice, and a run, I was blessed with a family dinner out with all five of us. As we take care of things on the home front this weekend, each of us will prepare for a short week, followed by the blessing of much anticipated time together with family. Such tangible goodness points me back to His word, and I am particularly drawn to the powerful imagery of the Message translation of this verse, as I think it is easy to forget that loyal, all-generous love, is where true beauty lies. God is the author and perfecter of faithful, everlasting love, and in Him, we grow to understand how good He truly is from one generation to the next. May we remember that the Lord is where true goodness lies, and that His faithful love endures throughout all generations as we gather together to give thanks.

Mom is doing well, but in a bit of a holding pattern again until after Thanksgiving. She had her speech assessment with the out-patient therapist, yet will not meet with her new occupational and physical therapists until December. Thankfully, mom remains upbeat and optimistic, recognizing the positive work that lies ahead. More than anything, I think that all of us are eager and grateful to be together for Thanksgiving. It has been our family tradition for many years, so I anticipate the familiarity of our festivities will be a beautiful blessing for all.

 

In goodness and grace,

The Lord ever gives;

His love, peace and hope,

As in Him, we live.

Faithful to meet us,

With love that will last;

He holds our future,

Forgives for our past.

All generations,

Who seek Him will find;

Faithful, sheer beauty,

From God to mankind.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that Your love endures forever. Thank You that there is no end to Your faithful love. Thank You that we can trust You, knowing that You see and hear and hold us in Your strong hands. Forgive us for the times that we doubt, and teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us through every bump in the road. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your goodness and grace, and praise You for Your loyal love that lasts forever. Amen.

 

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

 

For I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on Your faithfulness. – Psalm 26:3

Power, Protection and Presence

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day. – (Psalm 46:5, NIV)

The True God never sleeps and always resides in the city of joy; He makes it unstoppable, unshakable. When it awakes at dawn, the True God has already been at work. – (Psalm 46:5, VOICE)

God is in the midst of His city, secure and never shaken. At daybreak His help will be seen with the appearing of the dawn. – (Psalm 46:5, TPT)

 

The entire 46th Psalm speaks of the power and protection in the presence of God. Each translation gives a slightly different visual to imagine. I appreciate the NIV translation, as it makes it personal, yet the following two translations are a reminder that He is present, purposeful and powerful wherever we dwell. Every morning is new, and God is already at work, making a way for the day. Yesterday, He made a new way that blessed mom and those of us present, beyond what we thought possible. First, my Viking drove over to be with us, which of course was fantastic for me. (Mom was glad too) Next, we all were invited to a dear friend of mom’s, to go give swimming a try. Mom used to be a lap swimmer, so my sister and I have been desperately wanting to get mom into a pool, as we knew she would love the feeling of being in the water. The way was provided, and the three of us navigated our way to Sharon’s beautiful home. She welcomed us and supplied the perfect space to allow mom the opportunity to give time in a pool a try. Slowly, we walked her together into the pool, lowering one step at a time. We determined together that a life jacket would likely be best, as it would provide a sense of security in a space of uncertainty. Almost immediately, mom wanted to get out beyond where her feet could touch bottom so that she could propel herself with kicking. The freedom of movement in the water was incredible, and the smile did not leave her face the entire time we were in the pool. In fact, I had to convince her that she ought to get out after more than an hour, as her teeth had started chattering. Additionally, as we floated and treaded water, Sharon was stretching mom’s right hand and fingers all the while. Not only did they have a fantastic visit, but mom had some bonus occupational therapy as well as physical therapy in that pool time. By the time we were ready to go, the three of us were in need of dinner. Originally, we had planned to stop and pick something up on the way home, but Mark easily convinced mom that we should just dine in at a family-style Mexican restaurant we enjoy. It was delicious and she did fantastic. We even played a few games of Dirty Marbles after arriving home. All in all, it was a wonderful day, and one I wish we could repeat often.

May we ever trust in God, who is already at work as we rise, and is present in us and our space, ready to keep us going in the right direction.

 

God is within us,

He won’t let us fall;

He’s moving for us,

Each time that we call.

Protector, Healer,

Strength, God of all grace;

Ever He’s working,

Present all our days.

So, choose to trust Him,

For He’s always good;

He’s making things new,

As only He could.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are within us, around us, and for us. Thank You that You never stop moving on our behalf. Thank You that as the new day dawns, You already have a plan in place to propel us forward in Your goodness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we wonder where You are when we cannot understand the direction that life is moving. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times, as You do new things in ways that are far beyond our understanding. Show us how to love those around us in a way that supports and strengthens those caught in life’s struggles. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You and Your love for us all. Amen.

 

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

 

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds. – Psalm 73:28

 

 

Be Interruptible

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. – (Proverbs 19:21, NIV)

People might make many plans, but what the Lord says is what will happen. – (Proverbs 19:21, ERV)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. – (Proverbs 19:21, MSG)

 

Yesterday was a fantastic day, as my husband drove over the mountains to spend time with mom and me. We enjoyed our afternoon and evening together, balancing time between just he and I as mom took an afternoon siesta, and a wonderful adventure of preparing and partaking in dinner with one another, as a trio. Interestingly, we had a plan in place, as a dear friend, (who was like a second mom to me growing up) was going to come spend time with mom, so that Mark and I could go into town for a quick visit with our best friends, who are here for a ball tournament. Well, the timing did not align, and our plans did not go according to what we had imagined, but we ended up having a fantastic evening of playing a family favorite game with mom, my second mom, Mark and myself. So often, what we think we ought to be doing turns out to not be the actual plan. What unfolds, ends up being a perfect sort of wonderful, and exactly the sort of evening that each of us needed. God knew, even if we did not. Though we are not meant to sit idly by and wait for life to unfold; we ought not get flustered or forlorn when plans do not go as we thought they ought to have gone. Rather, we should be open to the idea that when things do not go the way we thought they should, perhaps God had a better plan all along. No matter how the road before us unfolds, God is with us, God is for us, and God is good.

 

Many are the plans,

Deep down in our heart;

Yet it’s God’s purpose,

That will find a start.

Sometimes the best plans,

Go a different way;

And we discover,

His path is made plain.

All praise to the Lord,

On whom we rely;

For His ways are best,

And His strength supplied.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your plans, greater than our own. Forgive us for our initial frustration or disappointment when our plans seem to fail. Teach us to trust You more, as Your plans provide us with all that we need and more. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we may encourage, strengthen and build each other up in Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we keep pressing forward in faith, but allow our plans to be interruptible and embrace the way that You direct our steps. Amen.

 

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

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Courage to Do the Work

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you.” –  (1 Chronicles 28:20a, NIV)

“Be strong and brave and finish this work. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord God, my God, is with you.” – (1 Chronicles 28:20a, ERV)

“Be strong, courageous, and effective. Do not fear or be dismayed. I know that the Eternal God, who is my God, is with you.” – (1 Chronicles 28:20a, VOICE)

 

In the same way that David extended these words of encouragement to his son, Solomon, as he was tasked to build the temple for the ark of the covenant, so too, does God extend the same to us, every time we step forward in faith to answer His call. These words feel a bit like a battle cry this morning, as Friday was probably my last “true academic teaching day” of the school year, and this morning, my last morning at home for several weeks. I am called and chosen to go and be with my mom, and I would not have it any other way; however, I am human, and there are elements of the unknown that cause me to constantly have to fend off fear, as well as a sort of grieving for the loss of the close of this school year with my students and time with my family and friends at home. God is good, and I know that He has called, chosen and prepared my sister and me for such a time as this. He has orchestrated time off and supplied for our every need. We are surrounded, supported and loved; tangibly. Our spouses, children, family and friends have only encouragement and love to offer, and we are eternally grateful. We are strengthened and encouraged to be effective in the work that lies ahead, because of the warriors that are battling on our behalf, behind the scenes. God is with us, and with Him, we need not fear.

As for mom, the busy days continue with her transition day drawing nearer still. Yesterday, between her morning of therapy sessions and the excitement of my brother-in-love and nephews arriving and spending time with she and my sister, she was completely exhausted and ready to call it a day, shortly after dinner. There are two wonderful things about this, as I pause to ponder what took place. First, mom advocated for herself, and let it be known that she was tired and ready to rest. (Of utmost importance, as the brain continues to heal and repair itself during rest) Second, I imagine some of her decision was the hostess in her, that desperately desired Meg to spend some time with her fellas. That too, is another indicator of her healing, as more and more of her usual ways become evident in all that she says and does. Selfless and loving, preferring others above herself, I imagine she wanted desperately for her girl to have time with her husband and boys, and she figured the rest would do her some good as well. Win. Win.

 

Be strong, take courage,

An early morning view from Mom’s deck. ❤

For we’re not alone;

We’re called and chosen,

And completely known.

We’ve nothing to fear,

With God by our side;

No mountain’s too great,

Nor valley too wide.

Do not be dismayed,

When things seem go wrong;

For God is present,

And He’ll make us strong.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, even when the road ahead seems intimidating in the unknown. Thank You that we’ve nothing to fear, for You are always with us. Forgive us for allowing the unknowns to intimidate us into fearfulness. Teach us to depend on You to be our strength and resolve, trusting You to lead us and guide us, every step of each new day. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may be strengthened and encouraged and shown Your love in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You to be our strength and resolve in all things. Amen.

 

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

 

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. – Colossians 1:11

Strength in His Love

I love you, Lord, my strength. – (Psalm 18:1, NIV)

I love you, Lord! You are my strength. – (Psalm 18:1, ERV)

I love you, God – You make me strong. – (Psalm 18:1, MSG)

 

My unplanned, unscheduled, meant-to-be-relaxing spring break, has become a project-completing, list-checking, errand-running, constantly on-the-go, sort of week. Even my intent to sleep in a bit, has been thwarted by opportunities to get in early morning runs. Though it is not what I envisioned, I would not have it any other way. God is good, and He knows what we need. Strength has been supplied and each day is surrendered to Him. May we ever seek the Lord in love, as He is our strength and Source of all that we need.

 

The strength of the Lord,

He ever provides;

He meets us each day,

With arms open wide.

His grace is enough,

For all we need do;

As His love surrounds,

Supporting us through.

I love the Lord God,

And ever give praise;

For His strength and love,

Throughout all my days.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your strength in all things. Thank You for Your unending love that empowers us to love as well. Forgive us for neglecting to give You thanks and praise for the seemingly small things. Show us how to recognize Your ongoing provision throughout each day. Help us to love those around us in a way that strengthens and lifts others up. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and praise You for being the strength to those who surrender to You. Amen.

 

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

 

You are my strength, I sing praise to You; You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. – Psalm 59:17

 

 

Renewed Hope and Cheer

When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. – (Psalm 94:19, NLT)

Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer. – (Psalm 94:19, TLB)

Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of Your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight. – (Psalm 94:19, TPT)

 

Just yesterday, this verse was demonstrated in a tangible way. My fiancé and I had made an offer on a house, and we were eagerly awaiting an answer. Additionally, it was the first day of state testing for my students, and the group I was to test is my most energetic group of sixth graders. I had concerns going in, as they struggle to stay on task during our usual 90-minute block class, despite the break that is given in the middle. For testing, I was scheduled to have these kiddos for a three-hour block until lunch. Between technology difficulties and an extremely rigorous test, we ended up with our same group of test-takers until the end of the school day. All but one of my cherubs had completed the assessment by the conclusion of seventh period, and it was implied that we would go on to eighth period to end the day. For whatever reason, that did not happen, and we ended up in staying together in my shrinking classroom for the final 45-minute period of the day as well. There was a bit of turmoil for all of us, yet after a short time, we all settled in and made the best of the down time. It provided room for each to decompress without academic expectations and I was pleased with the smiles and giggles around the room as kids colored, visited, played games, and some even sat in the sunshine right outside of my classroom door. Additionally, I received a text from my fiancé telling me that our offer had been accepted and we officially had acquired our new home. Comfort, hope and cheer were supplied in the midst of far too many busy thoughts. God is good, and He quiets us when our hearts are in turmoil and grants us renewed hope and cheer. May we ever seek Him when doubts fill our minds, for He is our comfort and conductor of cheer.

 

When my mind races,

Our new home! ❤

And doubts enter in;

You bring me comfort,

Show me hope again.

Within my turmoil,

You come with Your peace;

Your presence brings calm,

As Your good’s released.

You still busy thoughts,

In love, You draw near;

You delight my heart,

As hope brings great cheer.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when things get hectic or chaotic and begin to cause our hearts to doubt, You bring Your comfort as You quiet our hearts and renew our hope and cheer. Forgive us for allowing our circumstances to overwhelm us and steal our joy. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would rely on You in all things and at all times, as You provide all that we need no matter what lies before us. Show us how to love well so that we may offer comfort, hope and cheer to those struggling with their own busy thoughts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for Your faithfulness to meet us in our moments of mayhem and bring Your calm as You renew our hope and cheer. 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