A NEW YEAR - 2022 STRONG Start & ReConnecting (with 21 days of Prayer)

{Actually continuing with more Prayer after just finishing 21 days of Prayer}

SELAH

As usual, I cannot believe that the entire month of January has come & gone without any blog post sine New Year's Day ... and ending 2021 with my One Word STRENGTH strong with my recap, I chose to do this wonderful You Version plan

so that
I would continue into 2022 STRONG with the STRENGTH I discoveredthrough Jesus Christ that He strengthens me daily

Although STRENGTH is not the 2022 One Word for me, I must remain STRONG and most certainly needed a Strong Start (as this one definitely is). Since I finished it today (later than Belong Church), I wanted to at least share it briefly.

The following are the 14 days: (I personally needed some just to be ReFreshed & remain STRENGTHENED)

STRENGTH ... 1. ... for the Journey 2. ... to Overcome 3. ... to Endure 4. ... for your Weakness 5. ... for Impossibilities 6. ... in Suffering 7. ... to Seek 8. ... to Surrender 9. ... for the Work 10. ... to Grow 11. ... in Waiting 12. ... to Love 13. ... to Obey 14. ... for Success

with the Scriptures, video teachings, devotionals & prayers(I was going to also list the Scriptures for each day but it's better to just go do their plan)
One Word like STRENGTH needs to be a continual processbecausedaily we need His STRENGTH in all the strugglesand all the battles in this new era that we face after this coronavirus pandemic hit usfollowed by so many variants
We need all the STRENGTH available in God's Word.

Can you guess which ones I really needed?Which ones might you be needing for 2022?
ormaybe there are other areas that you can think of that you're sure you need more STRENGTH ... X-tra STRENGTH 
TogetherYou & I & JESUSHoly SpiritSTRONG& reinforced with His powerdaily we need to be filledby The Word - The Bread of Life

Start your year with Belong Church (who provided this plan for) finding strength in the Scriptures for 2022! {It looks like Belong Church did this together on Facebook or Instagram or both in January (the 10th -24th) of 2022}

I hinted about the One Word for 2022 in 2021but still not ready to reveal the2022One Word
meanwhile
for FebruaryYou Version has a Challenge
so I chose theReConnectingplan(which kinda connects a little to my 2022 One Word but that isn't it)

21 Days of Prayer: Reconnecting

There are seasons of life when we feel completely disconnected from

 the things we once held most dear. 

This plan is designed to help us reconnect with God, community, and our mission to the world.

{Sorry, but I could not connect with the link to the plan & a Google search gave me others but then I got it}

Looking forward to

RECONNECTING

This year also marks the 50th Year of our High School & a Reunion is planned in September 2022.

[Please pray that Coronavirus is better under control and behind us by then, for all of us.]

Also for Tracy (2nd time going through Covid, she's vaccinated & has pneumonia & worse) & her family also. Thank you.

RENEW, REBUILD & RESTORE our HOPE in 2021

One month has already gone by in 2021 and once again (I think) I have not shared my One Word for 2021, although I a lotm fairly certain of my verse in the Bible that contains that One Word ... however there are various words in that Scripture verse that it could be, such as "Hope", which I've heard or been told, many are leaning towards "Hope" in 2021 (understandably, after 2020). Yet HOPE already has been one of my One Words in previous years, which does not mean that it could not be again. As with my One Word that had been PROMISE for 2020, I still have plenty that could keep me focused on God's Promises for an eternity and I probably will in many ways, continue to seek His Promises on any given topic. The same may be true with the repitition of any of the One Words that I had in previous years, like "HOPE" but I don't think that's the One for me, for 2021. It could be though, so I'm not ruling it out completely. Like I mentioned, it is in my verse! But I'm still not revealing my verse or my One Word ... from many words & His Word. 

Another word that is in my verse for 2021 is RENEW, which seems like that might be a really good One Word also. Starting this month of February, over at YouVersion (bible.com), there is a 21 day challenge that I usually have done in other years. In fact, the reason that I decided to do a blog post today, is/was to share this and a reading plan that I did back in 2019 with the word RENEW, even if it isn't my One Word. I have decided that it is one that would be good to share here on aMazing Grace, especially since it is connected to my One Word - actually it's the action word (verb) to my One Word. However, the reading plan has a couple other words, related to RENEW ... which I believe will be helpful to me once again, as this plan was back in 2019. I have not chosen this for my plan again over at YouVersion because there are so many other new ones to choose from but I have been setting myself & time aside (doing a fast somewhat) so  I can Seek God more diligently & hunger after Him better to meet me in this season of restoration & renewal, being rebuilt in my faith in so many aspects already in 2021 but perhaps mainly because of 2020. I think 2020 was a year of having a 20/20 vision for many of us that refocused & challenged us, stretching us to the maximum & still requiring more from us, & in us, & through us. So it only seems fit that these 21 days should be in prayer & fasting, refocusing on God, His Word, His Way, His Will.

Let's Run Forward in 2021, perhaps with this reading plan, in part, or along with another one you already have chosen and let's

RENEW, REBUILD & RESTORE                          in 2021

Of course, there are many other good plans at YouVersion and studies available right now, with so much available now online.

This one, not only goes well with my One Word, but also with a Faith Gateway and Chrystal Evans Hurst's 28 day Prayer Journey plan that I've already started, as well as the one that Max Lucado has on his new book,*Begin Again... with Bible Gateway as a reading club. I had already begun 2021 with First 5 in the book of Ephesians, so truthfully this was plenty for me to focus & fill up my daily faith journey putting Jesus first & center in my life. 

"Jesus, as I start this 21 day challenge & continue with others, help me to do it from a heart that wishes to know You better, rather than just for what You can do for me. I want to finish this journey more in love with You than when I started. Amen."

*By the way, the rest of the title of Max Lucado's "Begin Again..." book is "... Your HOPE and RENEWAL Start Today".  

<><><>

Day 1 of 21

days in prayer from

RENEW, REBUILD & RESTORE

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that Your Holy Spirt and Your glory will fill our hearts as we set out these next 21 days in prayer. Help me to be open to hear from You and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice in my life. Lead us and guide us as we will be renewed, rebuilt and restored through our prayers. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Please join me and others in prayer & this reading challenge to RUN FORWARD for the next 21 days, however you choose with God, the Father, Son & Holy Spirit! The Church and our Country really need us to RETURN to JESUS in 2021. Fix our eyes on Him & may our Words & Hearts follow Jesus only. RELY on JESUS, REST in Him and READ His WORD, not the words of others. Let's SEEK Him alone, for our Salvation is found in Him. Be REFRESHED! 

{I hope to be back with at least a Prayer each day!}

A Very Happy & Blessed Birthday

to my special sister & friend

in Christ

💚

"REDEEMED... " Starts Today

April 20th through June 1st, 2017

(videos every Thursday at LifeWay)

(from the author of this)  AngelaThomas Pharr "Hey everybody!! I’m so excited to begin REDEEMED with you this coming Thursday, April 20th. If you don’t already have your member book, I hope you can get your hands on one soon. Check your local LifeWay store, LifeWay online or my website to get your member book. On Thursday, you’ll receive the link to Video 1. It’s my version of an introductory video to set up the content and style of the study, then we’ll begin the first day of the workbook on Friday. I’m gonna try my very best to interact with you everyday. I’m not sure I can respond to all your comments or questions, but I’ll do what I can that day! While we’ll be doing this study together, our daughter is expecting our first grandchild, one child will graduate college and three others will finish their spring semester (Read: Will need their mama to help them move home and then help them pack and get to their summer commitments). Just like you, we’ve got a lot going on! And with children, the month of May just seems to cave in on top of you. All the more reason to take a little time with our Redeemer everyday! Please don’t worry about getting behind, or not staying right with all of us. I’ll try to post my comments with a clear reference to the day of the study I’m referring to. LifeWay has tried to make this area easy for you to use, so that you can comment to one another, interact and encourage one another, etc. I’ll post my daily comments here and also on all of my social media outlets. This is my first-time hosting one of my studies online, so I’m excited to walk these next six weeks with you. Please know I’m praying for you. My husband, Scott, is praying for you. My friends who pray for me are praying for you! This is gonna be fun, but more than anything, I’m praying for God’s power as you spend time in His Word and in His presence. The Redeemer keeps redeeming our lives until we see Him face to face. May we all keep being redeemed. I love you so. Angela {taken from the comments of the sign-up post and also her blog}

I'm not sure how this all will work yet

even though I hold the book in my hands
but the first place 
I believe I need to begin 
(besides reading the Intro and viewing the first video)
is by defining

REDEEMED

1. compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something). "a disappointing debate redeemed only by an outstanding speech" synonyms: save, compensate for the defects of, vindicate  2. gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment.

(but Day 1, gets into this in her book)

And in case, you're not able or convinced yet  that this is a Bible Study you need and have not signed up
Please look at the rest of the title ... (or even the book description)
GRACE TO LIVE EVERY DAY BETTER THAN BEFORE

"The moment you accept Jesus as the Lord over your life, you are redeemed.  As the redeemed, we experience a lifelong journey  of being transformed into His image ..."


[image credit]

looking forward to the practical side of
REDEMPTION
<>
After the beautiful two page introduction, Angela begins her book with "Preparing for 40 Days"  - "I CAN'T" ... first let me go back a bit into her Intro ... the words that leaped off the page to this soul thirsting for change and a beautiful, grace-filled walk with Jesus - inspite of the disastrous day-by-day struggles, I want to live a life that's being "redeemed" and changed (her words) "to connect your very real, everyday life with the very, real presence and power of God". Angela continues: 
"Here's all I know: When those two things intersect, lives are going to change. Healing will happen. Prayers will be answered. You will know God even more intimately as Your Redeemer."
See the words that are meant for me or stood out! I know you do!
"HEALING WILL HAPPEN"
yes and that's what I pray for me, for you then I read the page with I CAN'T {in red, nonetheless} and the words on that page resonated over and over and the last words on that page
"...Too many years have been wasted spinning in circles, going nowhere." (p.7)
"How would you fill in this blank?" (top of p.8)
"I've given up trying____________________"

Romans 7:15, 18b-19
Romans 7: 24
and on and on
each word sinking deeper
striking nerves
thoughts
right down to the marrow of my bones
in my head, in my heart
page 8 - page 9
"Who will deliver me from my pain?"
"my regret, my habits, my choices, my secrets, my sin?"
"Who will deliver us from ourselves?"
of course, most of us, know the answer
but do we really?
all the other questions and words from Angela are just as
POWERFUL
Romans 7:25
followed by
... We have a Redeemer! And we shall be 
Redeemed!
 page 10
is just as powerful, reading Romans 7:15 to the end and Romans 8:1
page 11
GOD CAN
this I believe and really need to see
especially because I already knew
"I Can't"
but
"HE CAN"
or
this is not all
there is still so much more
like page 14
"When MY GREAT NEED accepts GOD'S GREAT LOVE, REDEMPTION BEGINS
I CAN'T, HE CAN" Angela Thomas-Pharr   (need an image for this one)
WEEK 1: WHEN LOVE MAKES A PROMISE
{yep, this one is a study meant for me}
video link
sample of book
and also
You Version has a 5 day reading plan of
"Redeemed"

{not to be confused with LGG's "Broken and Redeemed", which just finished}

"FERVENT ..."

FerVent "... a Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer" by Priscilla Shirer

Every Christian needs a strategic warfare plan of PRAYER against the enemy who has a personalized attack against each of us which is bent on destroying us and knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, so this battle plan written so tactically from the wisdom and best selling author, speaker and teacher, Priscilla Shirer is a guide that we all need. I highly recommend for everyone because we all need to get serious and busy on our knees in prayer and have a warfare plan with "serious, specific and strategic prayer" as outlined by one who really seems to know and applies what she preaches and teaches so well. I chose this book purposefully and waited for it to become available in a digital copy because I knew that I most definitely need the practical approach and clear information that Priscilla shares on prayer as I've been reading and listening to her present on the Armor of God at her blog with "Going Beyond Ministries" through her #WFA Summer Series (W=War Room, F=Fervent ... A=Armor of God). 
{It's been so helpful and quite refreshing each week. And I can't wait to see Priscilla and Beth Moore in the upcoming movie "War Room" (which will be released August 28th, 2015) which this book and others like it are related to this movie by the Kendrick Brothers.}
{Of course, since I'm reviewing Priscilla's Fervent book, I consider this one my favorite and the best but they all look good and the journal too. Can't wait to see the movie.}

The Introduction to "FerVent" begins with "This Means War" followed by "Opening in Prayer" ... with a quote leading into this from "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" in a dialog between Theoden and Aragorn, who states:

"Open war is upon you whether you would risk it or not."

And so it is, "because this is war", "the fight of your life", a "very real enemy has been strategizing and scheming against you, assaulting you, coming after your emotions, your mind, ... your future" ... "but his reign of terror stops here", "stops now", ... "he won't have victory anymore" "because it all starts failing when we start praying" ... these are fighting words that we need in our daily battles and prayers with mindsets filled by the Holy Spirit to confront and out do our enemy with know how and tactics ... strategies. 

This is not just a book about "prayer", to merely talk about prayer or think about praying, it's a practical book to pray specifically and strategically in a plan we develop to our own personal needs and life ... as we go along learning that "praying with precision is key" and that's exactly what Priscilla does as she guides us chapter by chapter in Strategies as we practice implementing the incredible power tool of prayer ... as Priscilla so beautifully puts this ... "Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth" {WOW, love that!}
At the end of each chapter in this book, Priscilla leads us "to compose a strategy of prayer in regard to our own life in that particular area", which I found extremely valuable to do. So you develop your own personal prayer strategies as you continue through each chapter of 10 Prayer Strategies (explained well on pages 15-17 with a Scripture for each one from the compilation of a poll and these as the most common categories from the responses): against 1) your passion, 2) your focus, 3) your identity, 4) your family, 5) your confidence, 6) your calling, 7) your purity, 8) your rest and contentment, 9) your heart and 10) your relationships. I most certainly need a strategy in every one of these areas and I'm sure that you do also. But of course, there are more ... this is just to get us started designing our own prayer room with strategies, prayer plans, and PRAYERS. I can't get enough of Priscilla's solid Biblical & practical teaching.
Each chapter includes at the end "A Call to Prayer" which supplies Scriptures for that area. I love how each chapter begins with "If I were your enemy, ..." and then gives us a realistic viewpoint of how the enemy sees this area as a way to attack ... or how ... the descriptions are ever so clever and accurate. Priscilla is very good about interweaving Bible teaching throughout this book as she shows us God's Promises and examples in His Word. This definitely arms us with ways to fight back because "FerVent Prayer is fueled by passion" ... "FerVent Prayer relies on Focus" ... "because FerVent Prayer keeps your true identity in focus, reminding us of who we really are and taps into the power we really have in Christ" ... and on and on through each strategy, showing us and calling us to pray fervently for our families, our children, our spouses, our pasts, our fears, our pressures, our hurts, our purity, our relationships ... our future and our world, our very lives depend on us praying.
I've read and respect Stormie Omartian and her many books on "Praying..." but this one from Priscilla is a definite go-to-book, a "Must Read" and Apply these practical strategies to be effective in striking back with a God given weapon that works! This is a hands-on warfare manual teaching us God's plan and promises to have victory in our prayers that I know I will return to often as a tool to enhance my PRAYER as a winning weapon! After all, James 5:16 confirms that "the effective, fervent prayer avails much ..." so we all need to become more effective and praying fervently will avail and prevail God results in our lives. We all need this book as a unified body of Christ saying "Amen" ... and let it be so! 

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

* I really have so much more that I want to express about Priscilla's Fervent book but don't want to reveal more of this excellent tool to aid us. However, I'd like to make further note of following along with Priscilla at her #WFA Summer Series (maybe you'll win a copy of her book or other giveaways) or checking out more of the resources at the War Room site and also a Book Club I found that is doing this book really well each week finishing before the movie releases with Darlene on her blog. 

I have so much PASSION when it comes to FERVENT PRAYER and  this book gives me better strategies to be an effective warrior

Here are added video blessings with Priscilla on our ARMOR ...  *another great Bible study by her! {the "A" in her WFA Summer Series}
"Begin the Battle on Your Knees" {great 7 minute clip to fuel your passion}
Promo {57 seconds of a powerful invitation to join}
Armor of God Session 2  Session 4  Session 6
{fantastic 7 session study}
"All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you — unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny."
" Learn How the Enemy Always Fails When He Meets a Woman Dressed for the Occasion" ~ Priscilla Shirer
OK, so let's suit up and fight!
Let's BE FERVENT in our prayers

"ANYTHING..."

"...The Prayer that Unlocked My God and My Soul" by Jennie Allen
(2015) 254 pages  {which now includes a Bible Study} 
the updated version of

(2012) 208 pages
{and truthfully my first time through this book was in 2013 with this}
Audible Edition

Today, June 9th, is the re-release date of 
"Anything ... The Prayer that Unlocked My God and My Soul" by Jennie Allen
with a new, beautiful, teal blue cover, new chapter updates of what has transpired since the 1st edition, and the best part for me, an accompanying 8-week Bible Study Guide with a main Scripture passage to study along with the books chapters,  power-packed questions,  two projects for personal reflection and application and  six conversation cards for small group discussions
A REALLY WONDERFUL ALL ENCOMPASSING NEW ADDITION to draw you even deeper into your journey with God and  being prepared for what might happen if you pray "Anything"

"... And in that one little word we turned in everything for God’s anything." Every dream for our lives. Every dollar and possession. Every safety and comfort. Every person’s approval. Every ambition. Everything. And we opened our entire lives up to anything God had for us. Any risk. Any country. Any act of obedience. Any dream God had for us. Anything.

Perhaps you never read the 1st edition or don't know "Jennie Allen" or are familiar with her story, perhaps you are/were afraid to pray "Anything" ... perhaps you have and "things" have not gone at all like Jennie's, or perhaps God has used Jennie Allen and her story to inspire you and challenge you to GO BEYOND ... maybe you have found many excuses (valid or not) and it's time for you to step out ... the best place to start is letting this book by Jennie Allen move you step by step forward ... working through, guiding and processing this {of course, it's clearly better to get someone or a small group to do this with you, more about this later}

The book is wisely divided into 3 parts with 6 or 7 chapters in each: the first (pages 16-72) "Everything Keeping Us from Anything"; the 2nd part (pages 73-114) "Praying Anything" and the 3rd part (pages 115-163) "Living Anything Jesus' Anything" ... life changing ... followed by some finishing touches: "What is Your Anything" and "Since Anything" which updates much of what has happened to the Allen family since praying "Anything" and still happening (pages 167-174). Then Jennie finally is able to complete this book (pages 175-223) with her wonderful style of an 8-Week Bible Study, which definitely is not only her passion but her forte. {perhaps you are curious as to why I share the pages for these parts ... simply put, it's because I want to compare the 1st edition to the new one so that you can decide whether to reinvest in this one if you read the previous} 

Many have asked if the Study guide is available separate and as of now, it is not, but it is a good suggestion to the publisher and author as a supplement to the ones who have the 1st edition. However, you will miss out on the updates without this new version. I agree with others and Jennie, herself, that the book was is incomplete without this study ... and my review also is a bit incomplete without going through the Study first {more about that at the end}; reading the journey or pages is only half of the total impact without making the application to our own life, it's just like it is with God's Word. Jennie Allen's "Anything ..." is a call to action! "Anything" is a life changer and praying or working through this will deeply affect you and those around you.

Now for the added BONUS {the reason I hurried to get this review out and the MORE about this LATER parts above} beginning with a LIVE Online kick-off event on June 15th, you can join in this free access to an 8-Week Online Bible Study with study videos and more resources by signing up for the ANYTHING PROJECT with Jennie Allen and Faith Gateway.

Jennie's Invitation
I truly enjoy Jennie Allen and her heart! I would recommend highly any of her books to change and challenge you and your spiritual journey with God and one another. Beware --- this book will change you and your attitude (I pray) to truly take the risk of being a disciple of Jesus Christ in your daily EVERYTHING and ANYTHING. Allow God and Jennie Allen's "ANYTHING..." Prayer to stir you and your life to be responsive and passionate about God and bringing glory to His Kingdom in this world for the next. Jennie has the gift to guide us to do this ... ANYTHING ... 
What I found to be significant and my favorite part ... kept changing as I read on and on, highlighting and wondering how Jennie's story would influence or impact my story of faith and that of others. Knowing that this can have a lasting affect on eternity in ways that we are yet to see ... just maybe your surrender or mine will open our eyes to God's ... and that will lead to His Glory and GRACE if we are willing to act and dream BIG about ANYTHING!
Here's an excellent example for us all from "stories" (as the "Anything Project" is collecting and sharing) from someone we all know, respect and love: our dear Ann Voskamp



I'm thinking I should do a follow-up review after completing this 8-week study! 
Other key links for Jennie Allen: her blog her Facebook {you can get all the rest of the social media sites at the bottom of her blog}
IF:Gathering IF:Equip {reading the Bible together with other women worldwide}

Disclosure of material connection:I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson through the BookLookBloggers.com, a book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I apologize if this publishes all wacko but as I was pulling together and writing all of this, Blogger was really messing it up, and it was going askew so I only pray that it turns out somewhat in a sequential order and blocks as I hope. It was moving all around and lining and realigning itself as I typed or added images, links, paragraphs ...