All Thanks for His Goodness

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

Give thanks to the Lord because He is good. His faithful love will last forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, ERV) 

Give testimony about the Eternal because He is good; His loyal love lasts forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, VOICE) 

One of my favorite testimonies about God’s goodness is how He provided the person that He had for me, despite the unlikely pairing. If it were not for our mutual friendship with my best friend, we would likely have never met. What began as a candid conversation on her deck, a little over four years ago, turned into a marriage that is blessed, and the clear provision of God’s love for each of us through each other. I am so thankful for the Lord’s goodness, and today I am extra grateful as we celebrate my Viking’s birthday. God’s goodness is all around us, and He deserves all of our thanks and praise. May we recognize God’s goodness and grace in those whom He brings into our lives, and look back and remember all of the ways in which His love has supported, strengthened and carried us, all throughout our lives. All thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His faithful love never ends. 

May we count the ways, 

That the Lord is good; 

In love and in life, 

His grace understood. 

Faithful forever, 

His love never fails; 

Even in darkness, 

His goodness prevails. 

All praise to the Lord, 

In light of His grace; 

For all that He does, 

And His loving ways. 

For those that He brings, 

To show us His love; 

Forever faithful, 

Thanks to God above. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know us and love us so well. Thank You for the incredible blessing of those whom You gift to us in our lives. Thank You today, (and everyday) for the amazing gift of the one whom You knew my heart needed. Forgive us for not thanking You enough for Your goodness and love, as there is nothing that compares to You and Your love for us all. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they recognize Your heart for them through our love. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for Your everlasting love and goodness that surrounds us every day of our lives. We love You, Lord. Amen. 

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

Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence. – Psalm 21:6

Blessed

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. – (Proverbs 31:28, NIV)

Her children bless her; her husband praises her. – (Proverbs 31:28, CEB)

Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise. – (Proverbs 31:28, MSG)

 

Though I cannot even begin to measure up to the Proverbs 31 woman, I am beyond blessed by both my children and my husband. God has granted me the greatest gift I’ve ever known through the lives of my boys, and a love I never knew was possible through the loving union of marriage to my husband, partner and friend. I am blessed and praised by these guys, even when I am least deserving, and each one of them is fiercely protective and willing to help whenever I ask. Perhaps it is a recognition of the blessings that He has bestowed upon us, far more than a living up to a certain standard or expectation. Because I am loved well, I desperately desire and am driven to do the same. I imagine that is God’s intention for all of us. As we realize the depth and breadth of His love for us, we are inspired to go and love likewise. May we seek our Savior who loves us more than we can comprehend, so that we too, can go and love those around us without reservation.

 

Such wonder indeed,

Photos by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography<3

Is love we receive;

The blessings bestowed,

When we are in need.

The gift of children,

The love of a spouse;

Love made tangible,

Within my own house.

Let’s freely receive,

God’s love and His grace;

So we too can love,

In His tender ways.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of the loved ones whom You bring into our lives – be it children, spouses, family or friends. Thank You that You make Your pleasure known through the words of others in a way that inspires us to ever pursue You and Your ways. Forgive us for taking Your love or that of those whom You have blessed us with for granted. Teach us to appreciate and value the goodness and grace that You generously give in tangible ways. Show us how to lavishly love those whom You place in our path, so that they too, may come to know the greatness of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the love and the grace, and the tender embrace, that You wrap around us through the people whom You have given. Amen.

 

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

 

Surely You have granted him/(her) unending blessings and made him/(her) glad with the joy of Your presence. – Psalm 21:6