"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."~from ISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog

APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it

On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on 7/19/17 as I'm still learning.

Monday, September 30, 2024

BEAUTY in a FALL LIKE DAY

[credit image: Marina Bromley; Roy Lessin]

When I saw this today, September 30th

I just had to share the image and the link to Meet Me in the Meadow

{one of my favorite places to "Meet" with the Lord}

and because it's copyrighted (I'm sure) it can not remain on my blog

but the verse was Psalm 23:5 NKJV (just one portion of it)

however it's Roy Lessin's words that I want to capture

on the FALL photo

"His oil heals and soothes, CALMS and relieves and causes His face to shine upon you." Roy Lessin

There it is my 2024 One Word

CALM

and in case I have to remove the image of "Autumn Leaves" 

here are some from northern Minnesota

{the leaves have not changed yet where I live}



Yes ... the BEAUTY of Autumn

brings me 

AWE

and 

CALM

<>

"How do we pursue BEAUTY in the Lord - ...?"

[the beginning of the last paragraph in this week's devotion by CCR]

And CCR has a BEAUTIFUL answer

before and after this sentence

"BEAUTY from the inside out, that is His heart."

followed by the last sentence of this devotion that captures

the essence of 

BEAUTY

just like the fall for me

{I can never get enough!}

<>

Be sure to follow the link to "Meet Me in the Meadow" and especially read the Prayer.

Perfect for me ... and the start of this week, as we turn the page to

OCTOBER 2024

and I have one week (9 days) to enjoy the last days of being 69

heading into a new decade

of the 70s

(oh my)

{definitely not a day I want to celebrate}

yet fall has a way of making my heart want to sing 

May I find more 

CALM

in the autumn of my life

and the rest of 2024

[image credit: Sue Boldt]

into

BEAUTY 

in His Heart 





Sunday, September 29, 2024

FOCUS: September ONE WORDS

For the month of September, these have been the 4 One Words for us to "Focus" on:

CULTIVATE
week of September 8

ILLUMINATE
week of September 15

COURAGE
week of September 22

With this being our last One Word Focus:

BEAUTY
this last week of September 29


<><><>

As I attempted in August, I'm going to perhaps try again & do it this time in September -
to only post this one blog post for the entire month, but change each week

The One Word in BOLD type will be the One Word FOCUS that week.

For now, I will be sharing the basics:

Scripture(s)

[I plan to LINK the One Word to Bible Hub Topical search]

As I have done with the 1st One Word, 
I hope to add 

at least that much each week for the other 
One Words weekly.

These One Words are so very important 
this fall & always, so

Let's

on

week of September 29

"... open your eyes to what God sees as BEAUTIFUL ... " 
and thank Him for all the BEAUTY 
He reveals to you. 

For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes & pride of life-is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 ESV 

1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV; Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV;
1 Samuel 16:7 ESV; Psalm 27:4 ESV

"Jesus, Your BEAUTY surrounds. Help me to see."


Thank You Lord Jesus

for the BEAUTY placed inside us!

I love FALL & really hope to find some BEAUTY this week in life!

My life and all that surrounds me right now,

can take the BEAUTY out of looking

outside at a BEAUTIFUL sunny SONday and seeing

only the 'clouds' on a cloudless blue sky day.

So I look up, not just look out

and try not to look in as I

🙏

hoping

more BEAUTY shines

<>

[You can STOP reading HERE]

but please be sure to go to the 

COMMENTS

to share & read 


Finding myself SEEKING CALM this week in any 

BEAUTY

understanding more & more why God

spoke that One Word: CALM for me for 2024

<>

NEXT WEEK

we will begin a new Blog Post for the 

OCTOBER ONE WORD(s)

FOCUS(es)

<><><>

YOU may CONTINUE HERE
[if you didn't read it the first week or might like to review again]

I apologize for only proposing to share one blog post for the entire month.

If time becomes more available, and my thoughts more FOCUSED,
I hope that I am able to share more, 
because I value being able to
read CCR's devotional each week and

FOCUSing on One Word

and her FOCUS TIP 
provided each week is so helpful.

I hope that you come back here each week 
and share your thoughts still.

I, too, hope that I am able to share my FOCUS 
or favorite quote in Comments.

Thank you for continuing as you are able so that

One Word a Week will transform our lives.

Such a meaningful way to be in 

God's Word.

The BEAUTY of God's Word will transform us,

CULTIVATE more COURAGE

and truly ILLUMINATE

our FOCUS & thoughts; our hearts & souls

will be strengthened, comforted, and flourish 

with more

JESUS

(in US)


Too much is happening in our world & lives

to not fill ourselves more each day

by His SPIRIT as we

LIVE,

LOVE and LINGER

{it's suppose to say "laugh", yet I am finding less & less that brings laughter these days}


I pray your life finds more laughter in your moments that you LINGER 
here or more importantly in God's Presence daily, weekly 
and still continue in 2024 and beyond


<><><>

Adding the previous ones completed 
HERE
after we've completed them:

was for the week of September 8


CCR's main scripture for her devotional:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV

Other Scripture verses:

Ecclesiastes 3:2 NASB; Proverbs 28:19 NASB; Galatians 6:9 NIV; Luke 1:37 BSB

"Jesus, help me to discern.
I want to CULTIVATE what matters."
🙏

{many of the verses I found used "cultivated" 
and listed 75 verses 
containing "cultivate" in various versions}

This is one of my choices with our One Word:

Now I entreat you, brethren [brothers & sisters], in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to CULTIVATE a spirit of harmony--all of you--and that there be no divisions among you, 
but rather a perfect union 
through your having one mind and one judgement.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (WEY) 
[Richard Francis] Weymouth New Testament version

Not just my choice, but my prayer!

<>


[credit image: Bible Hub; Ephesians 3:9]

week of September 15

"to supply or brighten with light, to make clear"
definition given by CCR in opening sentence

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works & give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

the additional scriptures for the devo by CCR are:

Daniel 5:14 NASB; John 1:9 NASB; Luke 11:34 NLT; Ephesians 1:18 NASB

"Jesus, when I abide, You illuminate."

<>


 week of September 22

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Psalm 31:24 ESV

Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV; Psalm 56:3-4 CSB;
Psalm 27:1 NKJV; Joshua 1:9 NIV


It came to me as I pondered this new One Word that:
both encouragement & discouragement 
have "courage" in the center.

Most of us prefer the first, but it takes courage for both,
maybe more for the latter.



"Jesus, You are near. Make me courageous."

Yes, Lord, more COURAGE every day 
as we wait for You.


Let's pray to have more 
COURAGE

Besides finding quite a few COURAGE images that I liked &
I forgot to give credit for those images (sorry) but each one has its source

So, there are plenty of BIBLE Verses on COURAGE 
(& its many forms of this One Word) (i.e. Courageous) 

and also all that CCR shares as she encourages us in this week's devo:

...reminding us that "God is walking with" us, 
giving us all the COURAGE we need 
to fulfill our purpose" 
[from the FOCUS TIP]

<><><>

Don't forget the section on

TAKING INVENTORY

because there's no break between now & when OCTOBER starts

unless you've been doing them right along with each

ONE WORD

I'm FOCUSing on #1 on BEAUTY

and am planning to take some time away to one of those

specific places that shines the BEAUTY of the Lord

in the next 2 weeks, I hope

IF NOT

there is plenty of

BEAUTY

right outside my door in 7 acres of pines

(#3's quick answer is "I always have 'distractions' that I need to remove

or cut off so that I can better FOCUS on Jesus & the splendor of 

His Magnificent BEAUTY!)

#2 I 💙 the Words of 1 Peter 3:4 NIV!!!

now to figure out the 'How' to seek

"the unfading BEAUTY of a gentle & quiet spirit"

- that certainly fits with my 2024 One Word -

CALM

FairNSquare Prints (Etsy)

[I will probably have to remove this so enjoy while you can]

There were 2 images for this verse; I like the other one more but this one had 

Your BEAUTY right up front

Check out their other prints😉

Sunday, September 22, 2024

FOCUS: September ONE WORDS

For the month of September, these will be the 4 One Words for us to "Focus" on:

CULTIVATE
week of September 8

ILLUMINATE
week of September 15

COURAGE
week of September 22

BEAUTY
week of September 29

<><><>

As I attempted in August, I'm going to perhaps try again & do it this time in August -
to only post this one blog post for the entire month.

The One Word in BOLD type will be the One Word FOCUS that week.

For now, I will be sharing the basics:

Scripture(s)

[I plan to LINK the One Word to Bible Hub Topical search]

As I have done with the 1st One Word, 
I hope to add 

at least that much each week for the other 
One Words weekly.

These One Words are so very important 
this fall & always


week of September 29

"... open your eyes to what God sees as BEAUTIFUL ... " 
and thank Him for all the BEAUTY 
He reveals to you. 

For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes & pride of life-is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 ESV 

1 Peter 3:3-4 NIVSong of Solomon 4:7 ESV;
1 Samuel 16:7 ESVPsalm 27:4 ESV

"Jesus, Your BEAUTY surrounds. Help me to see."

<>

[You can STOP reading HERE until next week]
which can be found 

but please go to the 

COMMENTS

to share & read 


<>

YOU may CONTINUE HERE
the original post
[if you didn't read it the first week or might like to review again]

I apologize for only proposing to share one blog post for the entire month.

If time becomes more available, and my thoughts more FOCUSED,
I hope that I am able to share more, 
because I value being able to
read CCR's devotional each week and

FOCUS on each One Word

and her FOCUS TIP 
provided each week is so helpful.

I hope that you come back here each week 
and share your thoughts still.

I, too, hope that I am able to share my FOCUS 
or favorite quote in Comments.

Thank you for continuing as you are able so that

One Word a Week will transform our lives.

Such a meaningful way to be in 

God's Word.

The BEAUTY of God's Word will transform us,

CULTIVATE more COURAGE

and truly ILLUMINATE

our FOCUS & thoughts; our hearts & souls

will be strengthened, comforted, and flourish 

with more

JESUS

(in US)


Too much is happening in our world & lives

to not fill ourselves more each day

by His SPIRIT as we

LIVE,

LOVE and LINGER

{it's suppose to say "laugh", yet I am finding less & less that brings laughter these days}


I pray your life finds more laughter in your moments that you LINGER here or more importantly in God's Presence daily, weekly 
and still continue in 2024 and beyond

<>

Adding the previous ones completed 
HERE
after we've completed them:

was for the week of September 8

CCR's main scripture for her devotional:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV

Other Scripture verses:

Ecclesiastes 3:2 NASBProverbs 28:19 NASBGalatians 6:9 NIVLuke 1:37 BSB

"Jesus, help me to discern.
I want to CULTIVATE what matters."
🙏

{many of the verses I found used "cultivated" 
and listed 75 verses 
containing "cultivate" in various versions}

This is one of my choices with our One Word:

Now I entreat you, brethren [brothers & sisters], in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to CULTIVATE a spirit of harmony--all of you--and that there be no divisions among you, 
but rather a perfect union 
through your having one mind and one judgement.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (WEY) 
[Richard Francis] Weymouth New Testament version

Not just my choice, but my prayer!


week of September 15

"to supply or brighten with light, to make clear"
definition given by CCR in opening sentence

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works & give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

the additional scriptures for the devo by CCR are:

Daniel 5:14 NASBJohn 1:9 NASBLuke 11:34 NLTEphesians 1:18 NASB

"Jesus, when I abide, You illuminate."

[credit image: Bible Hub; Ephesians 3:9]



for this week of September 22


It came to me as I pondered this new One Word that:
both encouragement & discouragement 
have "courage" in the center.

Most of us prefer the first, but it takes courage for both,
maybe more for the latter.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Psalm 31:24 ESV

Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJVPsalm 56:3-4 CSB;
Psalm 27:1 NKJVJoshua 1:9 NIV

"Jesus, You are near. Make me courageous."

Yes, Lord, more COURAGE every day 
as we wait for You.


Let's pray to have more 
COURAGE

Besides finding quite a few COURAGE images that I liked &
I forgot to give credit for those images (sorry) but each one has the source

I also found
"12 Trails of Courage"
in Wisdom Trek by Leesha Chamberlain
that was quite interesting, if you have time to check it out.

The first Trail for gaining COURAGE for the journey states:

"1. The Trail of Personal Responsibility" (for example)

"Courage gives you the strength to take personal responsibility for your actions. ..."

from Part 1 (has 1-6 of the 12)

Part 2 (7-12) "Infusing your life with COURAGE"

I know I need some gems of wisdom on COURAGE, and thankful I found this site.

So, there are plenty of BIBLE Verses on COURAGE 
(& its many forms of this One Word) (i.e. Courageous) 

and also all that CCR shares as she encourages us in this week's devo:

...reminding us that "God is walking with" us, giving us all the COURAGE we need to fulfill our purpose" [from the FOCUS TIP]


Sunday, September 1, 2024

BREAK - TAKING INVENTORY WEEK

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

being celebrated tomorrow

September 2nd

(or all of this past weekend)

TAKING INVENTORY WEEK

of

AUGUST

One Words

this week

<>

unless you did them each week along with the One Word

<><><>

IMPORTANT

if you don't see the current post of the week for FOCUS:

SEPTEMBER ONE WORDS

the blog post will show up on Sunday at 6 pm again

with the new One Word Focus 



To my faithful visitors;
all of you who spend your valuable time here with me
I do appreciate you so much!

Thank you for taking your time to visit!

Love, Sweet blessings & Hugs!

DIOS TE BENDIGA
GOD BLESS YOU

always

Peggy