CALM - starting again

As I was "taking inventory" mid-year, I noticed that I have not shared many blog posts about my 2024 One Word ...

...so it may look like my FOCUS is on every other One Word instead of CALM. Yet with each FOCUS One Word, I still SEEK CALM (after all I have a beautiful night time book, actually a few now, but the main one or nightly one is * "Jesus, CALM my Heart" for this entire year) more than anything. And, I particularly noticed this during that mid-year (July) inventory because I was, as I often am, in the midst of chaos, or anything but a CALM place, except when I enter His Word or His Presence, especially in peaceful worship - the moments I step out of the reality surrounding my life and so many dear ones; until I enter time of prayer, mostly intercession time, and it's then I decided I need more PRAISE time and moments of ADORATION; sometimes just moments outside bring me this, if I am able to leave behind those "troubles" - until like this past week, one of God's creations outdoors (an aggressive one) stings me not once but a few times from a ground nest I mowed over tall grass there, later I find out that once again I was a victim of some yellow jackets. Very painful stings. CALM was the furthest thing from my life at that time, both in doors and outdoors, but within and inside of me, God reminds me of the CALM He can bring to me. 

I turn to my *yearly book and some of the others to find CALM, to "Trade my Cares for Calm", at least with much hope that I can - and I lay down, opening to Chapter 4 in another book, seeking His CALM, with "Keep Calm and Make a Plan" (well, I was too far from that at this point in time) and my, oh, my - this is the half-way mark of 2024) maybe I should try another book; "Less Fret, More Faith" - now that's more like it. But then I remember one of my very favorite somewhat older books, that I frequent often - but clearly not often enough but Julie Gillies only shares 100 "Prayers to Calm ..." (I won't even finish the words of her title because I just don't want to accept that my heart is a------, that word that I fight keeping out of my vocabulary, if and whenever possible). But it's a heartbreaking reality, for me and more than 40 million adults in the United States. I try my best to deny that I wrestle with this, but something truly must be keeping me awake on & off through the nights. Julie's book opens with this startling fact or stat in the Invitation of her book as she calmly bids us "to pause, to breathe, and let our hearts rest in God's CALMING Presence."  My denial just isn't helpful, even if I just try to re-word and use the words that restate this as "I'm just very concerned". 

So I have decided to restart Julie's book, with the first devotional of "Unshaken" and the scripture base for this devotion is Psalm 16:8 (which has come up quite a few times in 2024).

Julie uses the NLT version but I choose to share 2 other versions (neither one uses the word CALM, nor Unshaken) yet I sense God's CALM just reading and re-reading these words:

Because I set you, YAHWEH, always close to me, my confidence will never be weakened, for I experience your wraparound presence every moment. Psalm 16:8 TPT

He is ever present with me; at all times He goes before me. I will not live in fear or abandon my calling because He stands at my right hand.  Psalm 16:8 Voice

I guess I took "taking inventory" too seriously because now I am back with my regular procedure of starting with a definition of the One Word or the WORD, (which I don't think I ever did for my 2024 One Word yet)so it's way overdue:
CALM
according to Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
that Bible Hub uses

"1. (n.) Freedom from motion, agitation, or disturbance; a cessation or absence of that which causes motion or disturbance, as of winds or waves; tranquility; stillness; quiet; serenity. 2. (n.) To make calm; to render still or quiet, as elements; as, to calm the winds. 3. (n.) To deliver from agitation or excitement; to still or soothe, as the mind or passions. 4. (super.) Not stormy; without motion, as of winds or waves; still; quiet; serene; undisturbed. 5. (super.) Undisturbed by passion or emotion; not agitated or excited; tranquil; quiet in act or speech. "

then my next step is to do a Search for my One Word: CALM
{of course, Bible Hub shares verses; but my other dependable source gives various versions}
Verses that contain CALM(229) but that includes variations of CALM, like calmed, calms, calmly, etc.
[I'm not able to link to their site, or app because it just takes you to search of any word only]
180 of the 229 verses are found in the Old Testament (OT)
and
only 49 of the 229 verses are from the New Testament (NT)
I will work my way backwards with sharing these verses starting with:
Revelation 1:4 AMP
John, to the seven churches that are in [the province of] Asia: Grace [be granted] to you and peace [inner CALM and spiritual well-being], from Him Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits that are before His throne ...
After having completed a PAUSE (YV) plan on PEACE, I find it soothing to see that the Amplified "amplifies"PEACEas "inner CALM" and "spiritual well-being"
{which really explains much for me, about my personal lack}
It's no wonder that God spoke the One Word
CALM
for me for 2024
associated
with inner and spiritual well-being
without even looking at my outward fears and insecurities
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Since I have done One blog post now for the entire month of August, that publishes at 6 pm Sunday evenings for the entire week, I have reserved that time space for FOCUS. I was thinking that I might consider doing another blog post (if inspired) on the One Word FOCUS later in the week, however I may choose to use this time or Sat. possibly to FOCUS on my 2024 One Word CALM. But I don't want a post on Sat. followed by another on Sun. so don't be surprised if the rest of this year, I begin to share more on CALM and only one on FOCUS (unless I do a midweek blog post on our FOCUS One Word and just a reminder on Sun. of what the One Word is for that Week - linked to the monthly one. As you can tell, I'm shaking up my regular routine a bit of publishing blog posts on Sunday, when my original thought on one monthly post was for lack of time because "life" is limiting my time more but hopefully that will end sooner than later and seriously, I need this blogging time more as a therapeutic place for me; sometimes more than a place for you, the reader. However, I hope that somewhere in my blog posts that the Jesus, I know and love, shines into your own life with some encouragement or inspiration or you find some part that connects to you in your own life. With my shift to CALM (in addition to the 4 FOCUS One Words), I'm hoping that whatever your situation that some of the CALM in my chaos will help you find more CALM. 

In one of the blog posts this year (or possibly 2 blog posts) I shared the acronym that Max Lucado has coined for C.A.L.M. and I'll share it again as a reminder from Philippians 4:4-8

CELEBRATE

(Celebrate God's Goodness, v.4)

ASK

(Ask God for help, v.6)

LEAVE

(Leave your concerns, v.6)

{I think I've gotten to this place often, but you know ... what happens}

Meditate

(Meditate on good things, v.8 NCV)

"Dear Lord, You spoke to storms. (Many of the verses of the gospels & Psalms  that contain CALM are about Jesus & the "storm" with His disciples) 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 worry, battered and belittled by the gales of life. Oh, Prince of Peace, bequeath to us a spirit of CALM. ... " Max Lucado ... As I continue to SEEK and search for CALM, "will you turn a new leaf in my life" ...through the pages in my CALM books. "Quench" any sign of "anxiety" in me. "Stir courage. Let us know less fret and more faith. In Your name, I pray. Amen [Less Fret, More Faith - an 11 week action plan to overcome anxiety]

Help me Lord
CALM MY HEART
to fret less and find more faith
in me to deal with life
each day.
I will Celebrate You & Your Goodness,
I will Ask You for help as I start my day and end each night
(or when I'm awakened)
I will really learn to Leave my concerns with You
and Your more than capable hands
as I continue to
Meditate on good things
(and look for a good thing in each day)
to give You thanks & more Praise
for in Your Presence
I soak in the
PEACE
and
cling to You
and Your soothing inner
CALM
as I 
SEEK
MORE of YOU
in me
a spiritual well-being
that
I need, Jesus!
Thank You!

C.A.L.M.

I try to do another blog post each week on the One Word or at least think about it by today, but CLARITY has not given me anything more, so as I enjoy the Peace and CALM of today - in  many ways, I am beginning another one of my books on my 2024 One Word {I bet you thought I had forgotten it, or changed it to FOCUS, but it's still CALM} and for the month of June, the plan is another PAUSE for 30 days of Peace this time with a YV plan. But for today, I will be starting to

TRADE (MY) CARES FOR

CALM

(the word in parenthesis is actually 'your' in the title of the book)

by

Max Lucado

I can't believe that I've had this book (a real book) and have not even begun it, and half the year is just about over. It has 10 Chapters with beautiful scenic pictures and of course, the wisdom and gift of words of Max Lucado never disappoints, yet always teaches us with a unique wit and wonderful woven tales with scriptural insights and even includes short journaling pages. I wanted to jump ahead to Chapter 8 "Catch CALM" but I will pace myself and stay with the chapters in order. It's a good thing I did ... because after the Introduction, Chapter One clearly sets the tone (premise) which includes an acronym with "5 verses and 4 admonitions that lead to one wonderful promise: "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds" (Philippians 4:7)" that acronym is C.A.L.M.

C - Celebrate God's Goodness (Philippians 4:4)  A - Ask God for help (Philippians 4:6)  L - Leave your concerns with Him (Philippians 4:6)  M- Meditate on good things (Philippians 4:8)

As you can tell the main focus is found in the book of
PhilippiansChapter 4 - verses 4-8
I've always known the book of Philippians main theme to be JOY
and with this, I will add Peace and CALM
In fact, this part was included under "God's Words of Peace"
{and skimming through each chapter, I notice there's a section of"God's Words ..." on something for each}
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I noticed on Amazon that an excerpt of the book is included of Chapter 1 (although you are missing out on the beauty of each page, you will catch a glimpse of the wonderful content and also all the chapters are listed there). Part of the book description reads, as follows:

"Bestselling author Max Lucado understands what it's like to feel overwhelmed by anxiety. In Trade Your Cares for Calm, you'll learn how to: Exchange your burdens for an abundance of mercy, gratitude, and trust Replace striving and stress with a faith-filled life, so you can see God's goodness Feel calm in chaos and find peace through prayer Make faith, not fear, your default reaction to circumstances Imagine being able to walk away from worry, conquer the need to control, get rid of guilty, and end if-only thinking." Trade Your Cares for Calm

When I ordered my copy of this book, I didn't need to know any more than that it was written by one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado; and had my One Word: CALMso to find this out and how beautiful this little treasure isI'm all set to "trade" my cares, chaos, and control for God's "Calm"
and it starts today
(*well, maybe - kinda)

Hope you can see these COPING STRATEGIES (I sure need to cope with hope) [if you click on the image I think it becomes larger]
<><><>
* I just heard some news on the weather and tornado in Iowaso this is why the hesitation of "maybe" and "kinda"because that report makes me concernedfor some people traveling through that way,when here I thought I was in the clear
JUST
need some more of
God's CLARITY 
and 
leave the worries, etc. in God's hands
He IS in control!
so
"Why Should I Worry or Fret"
but please
🙏
pray still for 
the people in Iowa & other states hitby these powerful tornadoes
devastating & destroyingcommunities
so hard to findCALMin the destruction of astorm
🙏🏼

CHOOSE "CALM" No Matter ...

Sometimes it's not a Choice
(*it's "mind over matter")
but for me in
2024

[image credit]

it's suppose to be my 
One Word

{*oh, no - I used another idiomatic expression, but I will refrain from going off on that tangent}

By now, it might look as if my 2024 One Word is FOCUS, or maybe some other One Word that you have seen often in my blog posts since 2024 began and not so much the One Word CALM. But behind the scenes, I still am seeking CALM, as my One Word. God has really placed CALM as my center FOCUS, and yet as I FOCUS on all the other One Words for each week, or the ones for "Pauses"; I decide to CHOOSE "CALM"; if only it was that easy. That is the same premise that I started with here today and also the other day, however, I am sure that for quite some time I have been choosing "CALM" yet have failed to find it (like other things, too). I know (in my mind & especially my heart) that choosing "CALM" over chaos would be most people's choice, as well as "serenity over stress" and "peace over perfection". I especially like "grace over grit"! But "faith over fear" is really good for many of us too. 

[Sad to say, I did not know Mary Davis when I used her image quote; but when I looked her up, I was a bit hesitant about using her quote. There's good, and not so good in what I discovered, so I'm not endorsing her, but that doesn't mean her thoughts (the quote) are not good & true. If you have a part in Special Olympics, then the good outshines some of the rest. Right?]

My purpose of this post is not the quote, nor the idiomatic expression of "mind over matter", but to begin to share some of my journey into CALM as my One Word. So let's start.

As always, I have to start out with the definition of CALM:

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary: 1. (n.) Freedom from motion, agitation, or disturbance; a cessation or absence of that which causes motion or disturbance, as of winds or waves; tranquility; stillness; quiet; serenity. 2. (n.) To make calm; to render still or quiet, as elements; as, to calm the winds. 3. (n.) To deliver from agitation or excitement; to still or soothe, as the mind or passions. 4. (super.) Not stormy; without motion, as of winds or waves; still; quiet; serene; undisturbed. 5. (super.) Undisturbed by passion or emotion; not agitated or excited; tranquil; quiet in act or speech.

I also enjoy beginning by looking at the Greek and Hebrew words for CALM, but I'll wait until I have a verse with it & check out Strong's then so my next part of my search is looking at the words in the Thesaurus (a synonym dictionary, list of similar words). The list includes: 18 occurrences of CALM in the Bible; Quiet (167 occurrences); waves; lull; still; tranquil; placid; serene; peaceful; hushed; harmonious; untroubled; mild; soothing; ... there's many more given.

Of course, there are many 'worldly' ways to become a calm person, so I looked specifically for Christian ways, which you need to do these days but still be cautious. I also have my own collection of Christian books: one in particular gifted to me from a wonderful sister in Christ 💚 last year: "Jesus, CALM My Heart" to last me all 365 (Nights) {although many seem to be for another person, I find them helpful to direct me toward God before going to sleep} and after doing other YV plans; I got some others too, but last year, I began with Wendy Blight's "Rest for Your Soul". Another one I began this year with was "Sleep Psalms"(also a sample of 14 days in YV). My most recent acquisition is "Give it to God and Go to Bed" after completing the 5 day sample by Laura Harris Smith on You Version (YV), and along with her videos that go with her book (and this has many other products available on amazon from pillows to signs to canvas wall art and even a bedside cross). All of those showed up before I could get to the book. Clearly too many of us have much "to give to God" so we can go to sleep. I also have books by Max Lucado like "Calm Moments..."; "Less Fret ..."; "Anxious ... Calm in a Chaotic"; etc. Another favorite is by Julie K. Gillies, "Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart" (sample at YV of 5 days of Heart-Calming Prayer)!💙💙💙 I highly recommend all of these books!

So even though, it might seem that I'm FOCUSed on many other One Words, I am still pursuing my One Word of CALM for 2024. In the background, I really am "surrounding myself (or at least trying to) with more positive influence" which for me means "quiet time with God" morning & night and often times throughout my day & night, seeking to center myself in the CALM that God intends us to have in our lives. A Bible boost can do so much, so filling myself up with uplifting verses from Scriptures, and having them around you in your living environment (such as the products above in wall decor or even simple bookmarks can help). But my most helpful so far, has been to listen to Christian or instrumental music, whenever and wherever I can. 

I will save my Scripture verses for other blog posts except for the 7 following verses to "CALM an anxious heart" starting out with my life verse since the 90s and in my order of 'go-to':

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (VOICE)

" So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you;         don’t be dismayed, for I am your God.     I will strengthen you, help you.         I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up. " Isaiah 41:10 (VOICE)

"Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours] " Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP)

"I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! " John 14:27 (TPT)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—     so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,     so why should I tremble? " Psalm 27:1 (NLT)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart     and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him,     and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

These are mainstay Bible verses to CALM our hearts, but they are notOne Word verses with the One Word: CALM like this:
Psalm 131:2"Instead I have kept my soul CALM and quiet ..."(God's Word Translation)
More will be in future blog posts on CALM. 
But meanwhile,
I want to end with at least one good devotion to go read:
"Learning to CALM and Quiet Your Soul"
by Sarah J. Hauser
Proverbs 31 Ministries

[image credit]

[I went to P31 looking for one by Lysa T. because I had just read one, but this is what I chose]
I was hoping her new book might be & actually I wish that the title was:
CALM Mind, Peaceful Heart
but
it's actually
"Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart"
(perhaps having a clear mind will cause us to be calm, remain calm & live calm)
Today, I CHOOSE 
CALM
Jesus' CALM, no matter what ...
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As I look at the date I chose to publish this before the CHOOSE week is over, I find that it is my older brother's birthday. He would be 75, if he didn't depart from here last August 2023. I still CHOOSE CALM as I remember him today.

[Blog post 3,400]

STILL UNSURE of my ONE WORD for 2024

* "Trade Your Cares for Calm" (2017)
{... that's what I'd like to do (if it was 2022)}
Instead I'll be
CALM
MORE

in 2024
but also I'm thinking that I'm 
Called to be in His
 PRESENCE
MORE in '24
so it looks like
God would like to CALM me in His PRESENCE
but which One Word should I focus on?
CALM or PRESENCE 
or 
perhaps there's another ONE God's speaking and 
I'm just not HEARING Him right
Anyways, I really do hope to "trade my cares for CALM"

When we love others, we know we belong to the truth, and we feel at ease in the Presence of God. 1 John 3:19 CEV the LORD, your God, is in the midst of you, a Mighty One who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy.  He will CALM you in His love. He will rejoice over you with singing Zephaniah 3:17 WEB

[in Zephaniah 3:17 NLT says "CALM all your fears"]
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I recall when I read the following wordsin "THE CALM" - a short 3 day reading plan,that one word CALM just continued to reverberate in my heart & mind 

"...Can we learn to find calm by faith amidst the waves of sin and the storms of emotion within our hearts? It may seem impossible, but there is hope, and there is comfort to be found. First, know that you are not alone and that this is not any surprise to your Lord. He is with you in it all, and He loves you. Second, know that you are not a failure in His sight because you struggle with this. It is an age-old challenge for all of God's people. Even the great. The Lord told Joshua, a valiant leader in Israel who followed the Lord fully, to not be afraid. Finally, remember that with Christ nothing is impossible. He is able. When we understand that we are weak and learn how to look to Christ and cling to Him, we will begin to experience Christ as our calm." "... We must keep our minds fixed on the truth of God's Word. When we do, we will begin to experience the calm of Christ."~Thistlebend

I thought that I was sure this was the Word for me!
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Earlier in 2023, I had read and participated in the best online Bible study of Wendy Blight's newest book, "Rest for Your Soul" and I benefited greatly from the beginning to the end, but even now I go back and reread so many parts & her prayers, making them mine. Through her writings, we joined in a spiritual journey in learning three holy habits ("spiritual disciplines") of solitude, silence and prayer. Without detailing all the wonderful help this excellent teaching of Wendy's does for the reader (me & others), let me just recommend this book highly! So, I was thinking either Rest or Peace might be possible choices for me, but I already had done Peace for a One Word (in 2013) and Rest is beautiful yet at this point, far from reality in my life (maybe some year soon). However, reading "Rest for Your Soul" certainly did bring my soul some much needed rest. It just didn't seem right for me as my One Word, especially since 2023 was filled with too many "rest in peace" for people close that I knew and loved dearly. So not Rest, & not Peace, but possibly some word that was closely related and meaningful that I truly may need as 2024 will close another decade of life for me, so I began thinking of the word "aging" as a possibility. Then I decided that I wasn't quite ready to deal with either "aging" or "resting in peace" so I placed those words on the back burner & waited for Jesus to impress upon me that One Word for me to focus.

It was in those quiet moments with Jesus (since that was my 2023 One Word) that I realized how important His sweet Presence was & is to me! PRESENCE - maybe I needed to be more aware of His Presence every day around me & "Experiencing God's Presence" and finding more of Him in my "Life in His Presence" - from two devotional books I had set aside to read later. Perhaps 2024 was the time for that 'later'... I began with one of these in January. And I am enjoying every moment & every page of reading this one year devotional. It definitely is bringing me closer to Him and a good follow-up from 2023 with Jesus! Yet I still was (& am) not convinced that THIS would be my One Word for 2024. 

There is a need for me to "experience the CALM of Christ" Jesus in me ... and "experience Christ as my CALM" for so many reasons. Because I know Jesus is my Peace, and I need more Peace & more Rest & more Jesus, so I trust that I'll continue to experience the CALM in His Presence!

There were a few other ebooks or reading plans that spoke the one word CALM to me during last year and the holiday season in particular from Rachel Wojo (The Calming Collection) prayers; and of course, one of my favorites and go-to pastor & author Max Lucado "Calm Moments..." and a few others by him. Max's acronym for C.A.L.M. is what began my peace & rest seeking journey by following this format for Philippians 4:4-8 (a powerful passage from Paul and a pathway of prayer) to follow & find CALM. However, it wasn't until Rachel shared her Calming Prayers & somehow led me to a book by Ruth Schwenk with this title: "Jesus, Calm my Heart" that I was drawn to the CALM that I need and hope to have in 2024. My dearest sister & friend gifted me the ebook of this so I have been reading it prayer by prayer & will every day in 2024, rewording many of the prayers for particular people or myself, and experiencing Christ as my CALM (sleeping better at night hopefully). I've also added a few other books to aide in this endeavor, so my next favorite is from Julie K. Guilles that has been on my wish list since 2020: "Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart" (YV has a sample of this in their reading plans) & a new one (2023) from Dayspring "Sleep Psalms..." by pray (dot) com

All of these are great if you need help praying or sleeping 😉 or like me (all of the above) and being CALM - experiencing Christ as my CALM, knowing the sweet CALM in His PRESENCE

As you can see, I have much reading to do again for 2024!

"... we know we must silence the chatter in our heads

and trust the One who CALMS our hearts" 

from "Be Still..." by Cleere Cherry

{I definitely needed this part in italics as a reminder }

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I guess for now

I will choose to be

CALM

in His

PRESENCE

{with my emphasis on CALM}

for

2024

[image credit: Good News Mediations for Kids]

SIDENOTE: from the first image 

* I added this book too ... to my reading list,

I couldn't resist the "blues" in Max's book cover of "Trade Your Cares for Calm".

I read that the color blue means CALM, trust, serenity ... and it produces a

CALMING effect. No wonder why blue is my favorite color!

I'm so in need of the CALM, so I surround myself in BLUE

I'm trading my ...

Cares for CALM with Jesus

{maybe I've found my One Word after all}

I plan to focus on CALM in everything in 2024

so in the night, I can sleep peacefully

in God's PRESENCE and live

a Life in His Presence

meanwhile 

I continue AGING & maybe next year

I'll have wisdom on that😏👵

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How about you?

What's your One Word?

or

favorite color?

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IMPORTANT NOTE:

I wrote this ahead because the "If I Will ... then He Will" prayers continue until February 20th and I didn't want to wait to publish this until after that - most churches finished their prayer & fasting in January. I miss all my friends online, but 2024 really needs to be saturated in prayer throughout all 50 states for Revival. The Church and our Nation desperately needs to pray!

And also LENT will be starting on February 14th through March 28th, 2024. Valentine's Day is Ash Wednesday ... no greater LOVE than God's! ... but still seems odd. Michele Cushatt shared a Lenten Experience last year - "Lamenting the Unexpected" (Week 1); and Week 2 "The Purpose of Lament", taken from her new book "A Faith that Will Not Fail"...more HERE

STRENGTH in ADVENT - 2 PEACE

The images above from Robert J. Morgan are two more of the 12 strategies of STRENGTH
andalthough they do not speak directly on PEACE, I have chosen themplus the unrelated verse image below fromPsalm 4:8

as we light the 2nd candle of Advent PEACE(some of you may be doing a different theme this week){I am staying with the sequence of the one I linked the 1st week}
STRENGTH in PEACE
PEACE in STRENGTH
I believe in these days we need both strongly more & more each day

"Verses about Peace and Strength"  1. Judges 5:31 “So may all your enemies perish, LORD! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Then the land had peace forty years. NIV 2. 2 Chronicles 16:9 The LORD is constantly watching everyone, and He gives strength to those who faithfully obey Him. But you have done a foolish thing, and your kingdom will never be at peace again. 3. Daniel 10:19 He said, “O man, highly regarded greatly beloved, do not be afraid. Peace be to you; take courage and be strong.” Now when he had spoken to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for You have strengthened me.” AMP 4. Psalms 29:11 The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace. NIV 5. Psalms 26:7 The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. 6.  Isaiah 27:5 “Or let him (Israel) cling to My strength and rely on My protection [My stronghold], Let him make peace with Me, Let him make peace with Me.” 7.  Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. NIV 8. Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 9. Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! NLT 10. Isaiah 54:10 “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, Nor will My covenant of peace be shaken,” Says the LORD who has compassion on you. 11. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 12. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJV 13. Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Lord, would You bring Your strength and peace to Your people! Would Your presence be felt by all who seek You in a powerful way in this Advent season. Turn the hearts of mankind towards You. We pray that the lost turn to You and find an unshakable peace that nothing else in this world can offer. Amen.

Here are 47 VERSES about Peace & Strength (some are above)

AND THE ABOVE IMAGES ALSO
Isaiah 30:15
Habakkuk 3:19
Psalm 4:8


I chose Habakkuk 3:19 because I know first hand that seeing the deer outside my home brings me much PEACE as I watch the STRENGTH that their feet have and their use. In Robert J. Morgan's book, he calls the STRENGTH in this verse: DURABLE STRENGTH. Strength that is durable is the kind that keeps us going, it is what Jesus gives us and that He has shown us time and time again in His life until His last breath as well as what He makes available to us every day to get beyond what we face until the next day or situation. Jesus' STRENGTH helps us endure and last from moment to moment, crisis to crisis, strength to strength, even when we're fortunate to be blessed with good days, He sees us to the next.

When there is stress or distress, it is hard to find the STRENGTH or the PEACE (which is definitely needed in times like this) so that is why we must turn to our Lord & seek His, because often we are too weak at these times, overwhelmed & unable to gather what we need on our own, to carry on or navigate our way through the situation causing this. When we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). I have seen this throughout my life but very much aware of this as I age and seemingly become weaker, I sense His STRENGTH daily.

As I watch in quietness the deer outside, I've learned how to quietly approach them at times, so as not to disturb them or frighten them away, noting that their trust is a STRENGTH that I treasure as I come close. It's very similar to when I come near or sense the Lord's Presence close to me in time of need. Isaiah 30:15 is noted to be TRANQUIL STRENGTH as a strategy that we, as believers need. The more I trust the Lord, the more at PEACE I am and feel, knowing that His STRENGTH has never failed me. I know that when I'm at PEACE it's TRANQUIL , I can be calm as I am quiet & free from disturbance as with the deer, & that His STRENGTH is DURABLE so that with His STRENGTH I am able to withstand. I may crumble for a moment but am reassured that He will pick me up - that I can trust the Lord to restore the PEACE and see me through because He has and He will again. Meanwhile I need to find His STRENGTH to trust confidently and be at PEACE. When I walk in PEACE, I sense His STRENGTH ... when I walk confidently in STRENGTH, I sense His PEACE. Inseparable.

Here's a great link to Robert J. Morgan's 12 Bible Verses to Help You Find Strength as given in his book "The Strength You Need".   

This 2nd Week of Advent, we light the Candle of PEACE!

PEACE

be with you

May the PEACE of Jesus 

be yours now & always!

As I ended this week, I came across an older but perfect Peace blog post by Julie K.Gillies with a beautiful prayer to walk in peace this Christmas

STRENGTH in ADVENT - 1 HOPE and Faith

ADVENT 2021 begins today on Sunday, November 28th and ends on December 24th, 2021.    

"As the holiday season approaches, we often hear the language spoken of “preparing the way.” Traditionally, Advent is a time of reflection and affirmation, with each week represented by a theme.

Advent has been seen as an exploration of faith, an inner search of the mind and heart." ..."Our Deepest Gifts"

"... The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognized for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize: hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning today." Natalie Joseph

I hope to share each Sunday of the 4 weeks (and perhaps more in between) some of the STRENGTH I've found in 2021. I've been wanting to somehow put together all that I have been seeking on my Word for 2021 on STRENGTH. This will be (in part) some of what God has shown me on STRENGTH and the many resources I have accumulated on STRENGTH in addition to my focus in God's Word on Strength & Renewal because of the verses in Isaiah (Isaiah 40:29-31) that began my journey daily with "The Vision" by Brian Simmons & Gretchen Rodriguez, through the book of Isaiah, reading The Passion Translation (TPT) & comparing to other versions. God gave me this specific verse for 2021 and later directed me toward the specific one Word: STRENGTH.

"... Those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience Divine STRENGTH. They will rise upon soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up. Isaiah 40:29-31 TPT

It could have been any other word in that verse: renew or hope or rise up or many others in that verse, yet I landed on STRENGTH. It delighted me that two well known authors decided this fall to write books on STRENGTH, which confirmed (a little late) but summarize well much of the journey I personally walked through in Scripture & this is also why it was such a blessing to review these books by Joyce Meyer & Joel Osteen. Of course, it would have been better or easier for me this past year to have had and be reading these daily since 2021 began. Yet God knew this ahead & guided me with STRENGTH & being STRONG ... to show me "You are Stronger than You Think" that I am and indeed that I need His "Strength for Each Day" (and so do you). The reason I have decided to share on STRENGTH for the 4 weeks of Advent. There are many more STRENGTH verses than I could possibly share, so that is why I have limited them to this time. I'm not sure if it will work with the themes, but I will at least try & start with that each week.
So today, we light the Candle of HOPE (which as you can read in Isaiah 40:29-31) is closely related with Strength. 

I read the following after taking an inventory of 24 character "strengths" that make up what's best about our personality (not particularly biblical) but still useful & we all need to develop our character & strengths, right? And even turn any weakness into Strength! Of course, Character Strengths is not what I had in mind. for 2021. So ...
WHAT IS HOPE? "The character strength of hope has to do with positive expectations about the future. It involves optimistic thinking and focusing on good things to come. Hope is more than a feel-good emotion. It is an action-oriented strength involving agency, the motivation and confidence that goals can be reached, and also that many effective pathways can be devised in order to get to that desired future. Optimism is closely linked with having a particular explanatory style (how we explain the causes of bad events). People using an optimistic explanatory style interpret events as external, unstable and specific. Those using a pessimistic explanatory style interpret events as internal, stable and global."

What I actually had in mind throughout 2021 was STRENGTH in God's Word & perhaps how or why God would give me this One Word for 2021 and all that God desires for me to learn or reveal about STRENGTH for me - not just about physical Strength (like my aging & exercise), with emotional & mental strength too - but mostly my much needed Spiritual Strength for the times in which we live. There are many more verses on STRENGTH then I could share  ... according to one source I read: there are at least 232 occurrences, but that varies based on which version of the Bible you are using for the search.

This week, I have chosen these (because I'm sure I will not be sharing all 232):

10 BIBLE VERSES ABOUT HOPE & STRENGTH

1. Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired. Isaiah 40:31 GW *my main verse for 2021
2. I always keep the Lord in front of me. When He is by my side, I cannot be moved. That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body rests securely because you do not abandon my soul to the grave or allow your holy one to decay. Psalm 16:8-10 GW
3. I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 GW
4. The Lord your God is with you. He is a hero who saves you. He happily rejoices over you, renews you with his love, and celebrates over you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17 GW
5. May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. Romans 15:13 AMPC
6. For this is the hope of our salvation. But hope means that we must trust and wait for what is still unseen. For why would we need to hope for something we already have? So because our hope is set on what is yet to be seen, we patiently keep on waiting for its fulfillment. And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words. Romans 8:24-26 TPT
7. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV
8. Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 AMPC
9. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 AMPC
10. We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 TPT

According to the Strong's Lexicon for STRENGTH in Isaiah 40:31 (my particular STRENGTH verse) this is what I found:

their strength;
כֹ֔חַ (ḵō·aḥ) Strong's Hebrew #3581 
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew 3581: 1) strength, power, might 1a) human strength 1b) strength (of angels) 1c) power (of God) 1d) strength (of animals) 1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil) 2) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 2a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown

{I definitely have no idea how that last part on the reptile part applies but  I'm open to any thoughts}

Recently, I came across an excellent book for me (again like the ones published in October, seemingly a little too late for 2021 - but God is never late, His timing is perfect) ... by Robert J. Morgan (and his wife, Katrina) "The Strength You Need" (from 2016) which shares 12 verses on STRENGTH that he calls 'Strategies' for Extra Strength.

My 2021 Verse just happens to be Strategy 6: "Catch Updrafts like an Eagle". I have collected various eagle items (statues, pictures, etc.)& I've been observing eagles more this year & hoping to catch a better understanding of this updraft & learn from them how to soar with a bit more Strength of the Lord. Currently, I am waiting for a copy of this book to arrive so I can share or learn more about Robert J. Morgan's concept of these strategies and how I can tap into more of God's extra STRENGTH, with STRENGTH strategies from Scripture. Renewed Strength is one of the 12 kinds of STRENGTHS available to every believer according to Robert J. Morgan "for those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" Isaiah 40:31 so I am filling myself with HOPE in the Lord! 

Hopefully I will be able to share more of Morgan's chosen 12 verses (strategies) and the rest of the kinds of STRENGTH found through scripture. Learning all I can with hope of acquiring all the STRENGTH God has for me in 2021 for the future. Clearly after the last few years (or decades), I need to restore & renew my STRENGTH & God knew this when He impressed this for my 2021 One Word.

This is a really good way for me to prepare my heart for Jesus this Christmas during Advent by leaning into and going from STRENGTH to STRENGTH. Looking forward to finding STRENGTH this Advent with Hope, Peace, Love & JOY hoping that you will join me and perhaps share how HOPE gives you STRENGTH (in the comments) or which of the scripture verses renew your HOPE giving you the STRENGTH this season.