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

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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.
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