CALM and Clear Moments

I have more work (and that includes reading) to still do with CALM (my 2024 One Word) besides finishing the ones I've shared like "Jesus, CALM My Heart" and last week's "Less FRET, More Faith". I finally decided to read another Max Lucado book, after reading the sample at You Version of "CALM Moments for Anxious Days". It looks as though Max Lucado has much to share concerning CALMing our "anxieties" with his wisdom & warmth. I should have started this one much sooner in 2024, because there's 90 devotions, and there's no longer that many days left in 2024. 

I also gave in to starting another one "Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart" by Lysa TerKeurst & P31, which I kept thinking was Calm Mind so I couldn't find it at first. When I did, I wondered if a "calm mind" is the same as a "clear mind". Then I began reading, deciding that in order to have a calm mind, it probably would help to have a clear mind, and definitely a peaceful heart will bring more calm to anyone, even me. 

My problem is with deciding which book to share here because both are filled with reassuring words of encouragement, wisdom and scriptural verses to calm ones' heart, mind and life. Lysa's book shares 50 devotions so that's less than 90 by Max and do-able still in 2024. Both of these are favorites of mine as authors, perhaps that means I try reading them both - God knows I need the prayers, scriptures and their wise words to find more CALM in my life. In fact, the devotion I just read was medicine to my soul "What If Sleep Could Be Seen as Worship?" (by Susan McIlmoil in Lysa's book). Yes. Yes, I needed this. More sleep. More worship. More CALM. That makes "Less Fret.." which will increase my faith and add CALM moments during my days and nights. Just a little more time to worship & sleep, the combination designed by our Creator for us. I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's seeking more CALM in the chaos of this world. 

[image credit:*Jesus Always]

As we begin the "holiday" season, some of us look forward, some of us dread and some of us have a mix of both and yet in the preparation, and the anticipation of family get-togethers or times with friends, there may be a need for more CALM as we gather and prepare so I believe many could use some more prayer in all the details for PEACE, JOY, HOPE and LOVE - perhaps this is why the Advent themes center on this as we prepare (Advent 2024 already begins this upcoming SONday, December 1st). 

Both of the aforementioned books have PRAYERS after each devotion or day. Of course, as usual, this is my favorite part of my devotional time and in Max Lucado's book, he has a daily set-up, which is one that I thoroughly find to fit my need and time frame available. He starts out in "CALM Moments ..." with a key scripture and his wonderful way of writing a brief calming devotion with his normal wit and charm, intertwined with scriptures when appropriate but ends the devotion with a "boxed" section of Max's unique summary in a couple of statements, followed by "My Scripture of Hope" (room for your responses after each); "My Anxious Thoughts to Release"; and finally "God's Promise to Me", where he keenly breaks the Word into a special promise from God to us. Here is an example of his "boxed" section:

"Worries empower little problems and encourage them to cast big shadows over our lives. In the darkness, we struggle to see the light of God's faithfulness. We forget that He is writing our story. When worry tries to snatch the pen and write itself across your life, remember this: ...  "

which leads us into 
"My Scripture of Hope"
in this case being Psalm 37:23-24 NLT
{oh and after "God's Promise..." we are suppose to write the "Prayer"}
I'll borrow the "Prayer" from the devotion noted above in Lysa's book on
"sleep" and "worship"
not because they go together, just so you can catch a glimpse

"Father, You say I am Your beloved & You give me sleep. Help me to believe this truth tonight so I may rest my weary mind and heart. Hold my worries and give me the strength to leave them in Your arms even as I wake. In Jesus' name."

This is why I need both of these books at the same time.
One uniquely writes and gives me "God's Promise..."
and the other team of P31 uniquely
writes from the heart & closes with a beautiful PRAYER.
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In the opening "letter from Lysa" after sharing
John 16:33
Lysa writes: 
"... I pray the worries that usually rush to your mind are
CALMED
and the fears that usually flood your heart are soothed.
And with a clear mind and a peaceful heart,
sweet dreams will be yours"
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This is my prayer for you also
as we finish 2024
with our
THANKS GIVING
and
ADVENT
then
culminating in
CHRIST mas
may the
PEACE
and 
CALM
of
Jesus Christ
fill your hearts and homes
with love
blessings
always
💙

I hoped that I might have something profound to share from my readings so far but the best that I have is suggestions for all of us to"stay CALM"no matter what we're facing whether it's chaos, or a blessed season just like theSerenity Prayeraccept the things you cannot change and focus on that which is in your control;but rely on the fact that it's all in God's controlrefocus any negative into positive"think on these things"Philippians 4:8pay attention to otherswith random acts of kindnessor words of encouragement;but concentrate on one thing at a time;accept offers of help and lower your expectations;take care of your physical and mental health;enjoy nature and reflect on God & His Word!
May God grant us the Serenity and Couragewith the Wisdom to know the differenceto Live one day at a time;enjoying one momentat a timeTrusting as we daily surrender to His Will
Be well and stay well!
May it be well with our souls
and 
May we find CALM and Clear Moments
in the Peace of Jesus Christ
now & forever
🙏

[image credit:*Jesus Calling]
*I daily receive emails from Jesus Calling with images & snippets from all of the books by Sarah Young, which I file and save, for such a time as this.

FOCUS: November ONE WORDS

For the month of NOVEMBER, these are the 4 One Words for us to "Focus" on:

EXPECT

the week of November 3

CREATE

the week of November 10

PURPOSE

the week of November 17

INTENTIONALITY

the week of November 24

Please SCROLL  way down for this last week's

ONE WORD

for this week

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although the main One Word Focus for all month is

GRATITUDE

actually - for every day

So here's another 30 day reading plan that I started for November
PAUSE: GRATITUDE
{which completes the PAUSE series of plans: PRAYER, PEACE & JOY}
I've enjoyed & been blessed by each one!

[image credit: Jesus Calling]

{I stuck this into this blog post, just in case}

I really can't believe 

NOVEMBER

is almost over

and

ADVENT

starts the Sunday after Thanksgiving

December 1

<><><>

This 1st week's

EXPECT

"There's a big difference between EXPECTation and comprehension ..."

CCR's opening statement continues this thought ...

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27 NLT

Proverbs 10:20 ESV; 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV; Ephesians 3:20 ESV; Matthew 17:20 ESV

Taking Inventoryp. 170
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plenty of verses that contain both of these wordsthere are more verses for "EXPECT" than "expectation"but both will work for our verses and others withEXPECT
There are more verses in the Old Testament (slightly) thanin the New Testament.
Psalms and Romans (Isaiah and Matthew) have the most verses.
💙
Hebrews 11:1 GWFaith assures us of things we EXPECT and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see.
💙
What I hope & EXPECT this week,
will be the constant in my many prayers
God willing!
[image credit: Bible Hub]
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2nd week's

CREATE

the week of November 10

[credit image: Bible (dot com) YV]

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 1 Corinthians 3:10 ESV

Ephesians 2:10 ESV; Isaiah 64:8 NASB; Romans 22:6-8 ESV; 1 Timothy 4:14 ESV

Plenty of verses that contain the One WordCREATE or others words that derive from "create"

The very first verse that pops into my head is:
CREATE in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me ...

 I am sure that CCR has 

CREATED

a beautiful devotional

to stir up ones' flow to

CREATE

and much gratitude for our

CREATOR & HIS CREATION

(at least originally)

Reminder of: Taking Inventory

and share in the comments

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3rd week's

PURPOSE

[credit image: iBelieve (dot) com]

the week of November 17

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 ESV

Psalm 138:8 ESV; Jeremiah 1:5 ESV; Revelation 4:11 ESV; Exodus 9:16 ESV

Reminder of: Taking Inventory

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4th week's
INTENTIONALITY

[image credit]
According to Rock Teaching Ministry

"‘Intentionality’ is the fact of being deliberate or purposive. Synonyms include considered, planned, prearranged, predetermined, and thought out in advance."

... basically "INTENTIONALITY" is not in the Biblebut other words from this One Word are,like INTENT, INTENTIONAL, etc.
[i.e. INTENTIONAL is contained in 23 verses]and over 200 with INTENT
so we just need to be mindful (& consistent) in thisONE WORD
looks like INTEND(might be what CCR is using from her Focus Tip)or perhapsINTENTIONSfrom CCR's prayer

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV

[the image verses for devo, p.169]

James 5:12 ESV; Colossians 4:5 ESV; Jeremiah 10:23 ESV

Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV

[image credit: Bible.com (YV)]

Reminder: to do "Taking Inventory"
and 
enjoy a blessed
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
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Please share in comments each week.
What stood out to you or your favorite quote or verse(s) with the One Word?
or
just whatever comes to you from the devotional, or God
Thank you.
_________________________________________

More CALM, less fret ...

It seems as if I go round and round with these same versesas I "think on these things" and hope to uncover the key to CALM

... Philippians 4: 4-6-7;  Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  5Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

followed by these verses in my November "Pause: Gratitude" of

... Philippians 4: 8-9 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

[the new book my Jennifer Tucker is focused on verses 8 and 9]

But it is blatantly obvious that I need all of
Philippians 4:
from the 
Exhortation, Encouragement and Prayer
followed by
God's Provision
then to
"... Stand firm in the Lord ..."
yet this is written first to us in verse 1, not after or just at the end;
A DEFIANT Joy (10 day plan), Defiant JOY (5 day plan)
or perhaps
this may be why I am drawn to 
Asheritah Ciuciu's upcoming Joy book and her current (12.1-13) podcast
however
I need to stick with and find the
CALM
in
2024

still in 2024. and on into 2025

I shared Max Lucado's acronym for CALM a few times already this year here and here and ... which follows Philippians 4:4, 6, 8 (and the definitions even more) yet I still could use something more and some CALM. Since the passage from Philippians is the most highlighted passage, I'm not alone (nor are you) apparently we all could use a word of comfort as we seek CALM in this earthly dwelling place, and for me, the whole world is just becoming more and more unsettled and upside down and highly concerning to me of our future here. Another book I have from Max Lucado and a great quote is "Less Fret, More Faith" (2017) so that's what I plan to do but know 2024 will not resolve with more CALM for my life, however, I have more tools and just need to keep working at applying all I have gleaned from this One Word this past year, holding on to it even more as we approach and enter what I consider to be a tumultuous time in 2025 forward until Jesus rescues us so I might still be searching for more CALM day by day until that time, but the by product is "More Faith" - "standing firm in the Lord"; learning to "keep my heart steadfast and CALM" but let's not overlook that this comes "through confident Trust" in Him. Since this book by Max was written pre-covid and also before many others that he's published since and "What's Next?" the most current one I have. I just sense that they all line up with helping me cope and learn to be CALM - and not fret. 

FRET: to be grieved, troubled or displeased. Constantly or visibly worried or anxious. [Angst (unease) and xious]. To burn or to be kindled with anger. [various sources in my book Notes] 

So for right now, I am checking out my coping strategies and accessing my tools. Yes, I'm starting over again and praying for His "...peace that passes all understanding" with more of His reassurance "Everything is secure. You can rest now." Max wrote "five verses with four admonitions that lead to (that) one wonderful promise" in verse 7 from Philippians 4:4-8 and I add 9 to complete this. My problem right now is I struggle with verse 4 and letter "C" of CALM to Celebrate ... "Rejoice in the Lord always" but this is closely followed by "A" to "Ask God for help. (verse 6) which I immediately do (have to do) upon reading that Rejoice always part ... so it's definite that I really need to Learn to "L" Leave my concerns with Him. So Lord (🙏from Max's Intro in this 11 week action plan) {I probably already shared but I need to pray it again} 

🙏"Dear Lord, You spoke to storms. Would You speak to ours? You CALMed the hearts of the apostles. Would You CALM the chaos within us? You told them to fear not. Say the same to us.*** We are weary from our worry, battered and belittled by the gales of life. Oh Prince of Peace, bequeath to us a spirit of CALM ... will you turn a new leaf in our lives? Quench anxiety. Stir courage. Let us know less fret and more faith. In Your name, amen."🙏"Less Fret, More Faith"

*** I have much more FEAR in my life now in November than I did when I started 2024

I am beyond thankful always for His aMazing
Grace
Thank You Lord Jesus!
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"LORD
Grant me the wisdom to remember
that You are not the source of *anxiety (or *whatever)
Rather, help me remember that resting in You
provides relief from all worry.
Give me courage to choose what is
good and pure, even when it is hard or inconvenient."
end of Week 1, Max Lucado, Less Fret, More Faith

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I'm sure come December
I will need more JOY and fa-la-la
but this November
I'll keep giving thanks for ...
the C.A.L.M. 
(any and all CALM)
and my Faith in Jesus, standing firm 🙏

CALM for my 'JUSTICE SEEKING SOUL'

... in order for me to "Remain CALM", I must speak out

I cannot sit STILL and allow what last week's national decision

puts into action in this country to just go unnoticed ...

while half celebrate & the other half literally mourn

And this is only one of the many issues that will be going into affect in

2025

with profound impact and injustices

but what

"If Jesus was an Immigrant" 
(written by an immigrant to the United States, fact verified by my immigration attorney) shared with permission by the author

"Jesus would never qualify for any of the categories of visa status to legally immigrate to America. He doesn't have a PhD or Masters level education. He doesn't have family relation. He's not marrying a US citizen. He's poor and probably couldn't afford the paperwork, if He did have a category.  If Jesus had money, He could start his own company for a minimum of $150,000 (USD) and apply for an EB 2 visa. If He had $800,000 to $1,050,000 (USD) He could skip to a Green card with the EB 5 investor visa.  He might qualify for a clergy/religious visa, but He would have to have a track record of working 2 years in an established church. It would have to be verified as a "real" church, not just some new unheard of religion, and have 501c non profit registration in the U.S. Then there is the fact He is a Jew, and could have been sent back like Anne Frank and other Jews being persecuted who would ultimately die because the US wouldn't let her and the ship of Jews escaping Germany in.  So that leaves asylum. In which case He must wait 5 to 7 years for a hearing to prove His case. Is He REALLY being persecuted? 98% of asylum applicants are denied by conservative judges.  What if Jesus was a DACA kid, if Mary and Joseph brought Him here as a child to escape King Herod trying to kill Him? He would have been happy to receive status and grace from a president in 2012 that created a visa category for Him. But then another would come along in 2017 and rip away DACA status and try to end the program. He would now be in legal limbo, being used as a pawn for political gain and He wouldn't know from one day to the next if He was going to be torn away from His family and deported to somewhere He never lived. And separated from His family that brought Him to the US. He would be worried for His parents who chose to bring Him here for a better life, and pray that the citizens of America forgive them. He would pray for new laws that would allow a pathway to citizenship for His parents and Himself. He would be sad that most of the people who fight against pathways to citizenship or "amnesty" ie forgiveness are the ones that follow His religion.  If Jesus were deported to El Salvador, Haiti, Afghanistan, Venezuela or any other dangerous country, He would probably be ok, because He's Jesus. He can make Himself fish and loaves out of thin air. But what about the others that aren't Jesus, the ones that need help, a home, refuge, someone to welcome and not reject them?  "But we can't save everyone". I know, but what would He ask of us to do? I earnestly ask you to consider this, and consider if the Son of Man has no room at the Inn, or no way to fit into a U.S. visa category, maybe we do need to think about immigration reform, other than just "deport everyone". "

By the way, this "immigrant author" is not from south of the border, but north from Canada.
Those south of the border, even have more difficulties, and there are some from those countries with even more restrictions,hardships, and impossibilitiesbut they are willing or forced to take the risk for their freedom and their lives.
I thought about writing by own "IF JESUS ..." but when I read the above by S. AdamsI knew I could not capture the complexities as well as "you" have. 
Thank you for writing this & sharing to try to gain empathy, from your own experience & standing in the gap to fight & speak out for others.
IF ONLY
the others fortunate enough to be born inside the borders of this country understood and would come to empathize with this nightmare about to be unleashed upon "families" similar yet worse than the tragedy of those 
"SEPARATED"book by Jacob Soboroff previous Film; recent Film 
"Welcoming the Stranger"World Reliefbook by Matthew Soerens & Jenny Yang
video of interview
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In my opinion
MASS DEPORTATION
defies the very foundation of this country,
of our ancestors, my grandparents
(from England, Ireland, France & Sweden)
and what can be read on the
the Statue of Liberty
which states,
"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
{I'm pretty sure that God's Word, the Bible speaks to this also}
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More importantly,
what would you do if this was someone in your family?
someone you love or someone you know well?
what will you do?
if it's your neighbor, or someone from your church, 
or your community & state? 
What if it were you?

Will you just turn away, look away & allow this to happen?
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WOMEN OF WELCOME

"... a community dedicated to diving into the whole of scripture to understand God's heart for the immigrant and refugee. We believe God calls us to a deep love for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the forgotten. Together we're on a journey to understand biblical hospitality in an authentic way."

Since I returned from being a missionary (my heart and I never really stopped missional). I chose to stay connected and one of the ways was to receive emails and continual information from organizations and ministries from people like these with a heart for all people.
Hopefully, I can become more engaged and involved again soon.
I want to not just do Bible Studies,(although I highly recommend theirs and other studies)pray and read books, including the Bible,if I'm not going to put what I read into actionand practice the love & grace of Jesus Christ outside of my family or church family or  with those that are like me, or that I am comfortable with ... but with ALL who Jesus calls "our neighbors"I need to be stretched and stand up for all that I believe
How to Help?Immigration Information
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"The Top 5 Immigration Myths Debunked"
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Dear People,
You need to open your eyes and see the truth
Not what you have been led to believe through deception
Things are not as you've been told by social media platforms
and even leaders, especially if money & power are involved
Open your hearts and your minds.
Let's be more like Jesus!

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I never realized how important these 2 books would become to my life:
(1) "Be the Bridge" Pursuing God's Heart ... by Latasha Morrison
and
(2) "Rest for the Justice Seeking Soul"by Rev. Dr. Susan K. Williams Smith,
who "has CREATED a life-giving book that will sustainthose who are seeking new sources of strength in this challenging time."
and now there are so many more.
[excerpts]
"We are instructed (in Amos 5:6-9) to "seek the Lord and live." ...

... "On this day (and every day), we pray, O God, that we remember the purpose for which You put us here. The arms of evil are too short to fight You; strengthen our arms so that we can sap evil of its strength. Stand with us as we affirm our faith in You and our determination to fight back against evil for the sake of the "least of these"(Matthew 25:40), who desperately need to know You are real. Help us to go out today and "hope" somebody." (2)

"Lord, help us to come alongside our brothers and sisters as their hearts and eyes are opened. Equip us to serve as worthy guides on this journey [to "be the bridge"] ["where we were silent on issues of injustice, we now commit to speaking up boldly for biblical justice in our land"].Help us offer them grace and love as they are learning Your truth, just as we would want people to be gracious and loving toward us."(1) Kristin Hemingway & Latisha Morrison

the part between the [insert] is from another prayer in this liturgy
YES
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
What is Jesus speaking to you?
how I wish I could help you understand 
but until you "walk in their shoes" or
realize the privilege you have been afforded
thanking God because of where you were born and
know that it was nothing you did, or 'they' didn't
and nothing that they had a choice over, but a dream 
to hold on to and a chance for many to live
"with liberty and justice for all"
That's what Jesus would want, 
now what will HE do through you?
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It has been a week now, and we cannot turn back the hands of time
but we can begin to seek justice
by not allowing this to
happen
and
take a stand
so that we can remain
CALM
with
JESUS
in each immigrant because
He was an immigrant! He was a Refugee!
(other Biblical immigrants)Biblical Archaeology
Jesus is our Refuge!