FOCUS on ONE WORD each day of LENT

As LENT 2024 was approaching, I had an idea since I started a new book ("FOCUS...") at the beginning of the year (but since I haven't been here online, I have not been sharing the One Word for each week) so I thought that during LENT it might be good to do a One Word Focus  for each of the 40 days ... and then I found out that this wasn't a new idea. In fact, I discovered there was a book written by Trevor Hudson, back in 2015 and also a You Tube video with a Catholic priest, Father Laguerta, sharing a similar list of One Words (at least these two start out with the same words). I found another book like Hudson's:40 Days, 40 Words by Ken & Randy Petersen

But even since it's been done and written and recorded, I do agree that taking "A Pause for Lent" each day on One Word & a verse from THE WORD is a good way to Focus on Jesus as we prepare our hearts once again, like Advent approaching Christmas - Lent prepares us for Holy Week & Resurrection Sunday (known commonly as Easter, but I don't use that term any longer after learning about where it originates - a completely different post). In a previous post I did share a "Lenten Experience" by Michele Cushatt (portions of her new book "A Faith that Will Not Fail") but I prefer to do something a bit more simple. I did find a few other ones: "7 One Word Prayers for Lent"; a blogger in 2014 -"40 Words of Lent"; "40 Titles of Jesus"  (similar to book by Asheritah Ciuciu for Christmas, but she also has one for Lent). In other words, there are plenty of choices available - and clearly my idea was not a new one!

ONE WORD 

PAUSES for LENT

Clearly the best One Word for Ash Wednesday is:

1. DUST

Genesis 3:19

OR

ASHES

 (Image above from Randy & Ken Petersens' book for Day 2)

Genesis 18:27

They use FORTY for Day 1

Matthew 4:2 (MSG)

since Lent is 40 days

40 is a very significant Biblical number & word

Here is the list of the other One Words, I'll be using (& perhaps I can add verses later):
*** My One Word choices are a combination of the books (b) & video (v) if it's linked, the link goes to the video

ONE WORD PAUSES for LENT

2. RETURN - Joel 2:12-13                   (b&v) 3. CHOOSE - Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (b&v) 4. FAST(ing) - Matthew 6:17-18          (b&v) First Sunday of Lent 2/18 * Mark 1:12-15 5. STILL - Psalm 46:10(b) 6. LOVE - 1 John 3:18 (b) 7. LIGHT - John 8:12   (b) 8. ASK (SEEK, KNOCK) - Matthew 7:7 (v) 9. REBUILT - Isaiah 58:12; Ezekiel 36:33 (v) 10. OBEDIENCE - Romans 5:19              (v) Second Sunday of Lent 2/25 Mark 3:19-27 11. SEPARATE - Matthew 25:31-46 (v) 12. BREAD - Matthew 6:11 (b) 13. CONTRITE - Luke 11:29-32 (v) 14. WATER - John 4:13-14 (b) 15. TIME - Mark 1:15 (b) 16. WORLD - John 3:16 (b) Third Sunday of Lent 3/3 Mark 8:27-33 *Mark 8:29 (b) 17. TREASURE - Matthew 6:21 (b) 18. LISTEN - James 1:19 (b) 19. POOR - Luke 4:18 (b) 20. FORGIVE(N) - Luke 5:20 (b) 21. PEACE(MAKER) - John 14:27 (b) 22. REST - Matthew 11:28 (b) 4th Sunday of Lent 3/10 Mark 9:2-10 *Mark 9:2-3 23. UNFAIR - Ezekiel 18:25 (v) 24. BLESSING - Genesis 12:2 (v) 25. MERCIFUL - Joel 2:13 26. FREE - John 8:31-32 27. SIN - 1 John 1:8 28. ENEMIES - Matthew 5:44-45 5th Sunday of Lent 3/17 Mark 10:32-35;*Mark 10:43-44 29. SERVE-Matthew 20:28 30. JUSTIFIED-*Luke 18:14 (v) 31. DIVIDED- *Luke 11:17    (v) 32. TEMPTATION-Hebrews 4:15 33. PRAY-Luke 11:1 also Matthew 26:36 for Day 39 Good Friday(b) 34. WILL-Matthew 26:39 6th Sunday of Lent 3/24 Palm Sunday Mark 11:1-11 *Mark 11:9 HOLY WEEK - PASSION WEEK  35. HOSANNA - Mark 11:9 (video 40) 36. STRANGER - Matthew 25:35 37. BETRAY - Matthew 26:21 38. WEPT - John 11:35 (& Luke 19:41-44 ESV) (video 33) 39. DIE - John 12:24 (video 39) 40. CRUCIFIED & RAISED - Mark 16:6 from SONday's reading RESURRECTION SONDAY - Mark 16:1-8 CHRIST IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!

* Remember that the Sundays are not included in the 40 days.

"...The Christian calendar contains different seasons. These seasons are "time- gifts" that the Church offers to help us participate more fully in what God has done in human history."~Trevor Hudson "... During the 40 days of Lent, disciples of Jesus are encouraged to engage in 3 spiritual practices. These practices are those specifically mentioned by Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount: giving to the poor, prayer and fasting (Matthew 6:1-18)."

In Trevor Hudson's "guide to the Lenten Journey", he suggests something a little different and adds a "daily practice" at the end of each day. We're invited to "make a commitment to PAUSE during each day of Lent; FOCUS on the One Word; READ a scripture verse aloud; TAKE TIME with God and thank about what He might be saying to you about or on this One Word. EXPLORE the meaning of that One Word for you in this season of your life." Which is exactly what I hope to do and PRAY & PRACTICE - actions that we should already be doing in a true Christian walk and journey with other humans that we should interact with as we encourage and treat all as Jesus' love and compassion compels us to and Jesus has with us and truly exemplified in His life and death. In LENT 2024, I believe that we are all being called to positively share JESUS (especially in the world we now live in that desperately needs to see more JESUS through more UNITY and less division, deception & deceit - pure evil and uncivil treatment of other human beings, in words and actions or lack of kind acts; others created equally and in God's image the same as each of us). Let's make a social change that reflects more of JESUS and less of selfishness, fear, bullying, negativity, etc. May our hearts be open & our eyes to reach out and show love & compassion daily. 

"REMEMBER

(man)(woman)

fill in your name

THAT 'YOU ARE' DUST

(actually 'THOU ART')

and

UNTO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN"

[the words the 'priest' uses as they put the sign of the cross on forehead with ashes]

{Upon completing my 50 day of prayer & fasting - ending February 20th, I hope to add more here, like verses from God's WORD, the true ONE WORD to guide & focus our journeys.} 

See you soon 😉

{unless I 'fast' again for Lent}

in-between my Pauses

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I have to mention two more books (among many) 

this one's written for 2024 LENT

"Gathered Into One"

[the book description let me know that this is the cry of my heart & prayers in 2024]

Devotions from 1 Corinthians

{very inexpensive, worthwhile choice}

"God, Help us to recognize our common humanity, destiny & purpose, and to live lives of grace and peace, now and forever. Amen"-"Gathered Into One"

And the other is brand new - published:

February 6, 2024

"It is Finished"

by Charles Martin

{if anyone gets this book, please let me know how it is - looks fabulous, 

but too expensive for me, out of my range}

[I read about this on Ann Voskamp's blog on a (mid Lent Sun.)]

"How to Navigate through Distractions to Really Prepare for Holy Week & Resurrection Sun."

Guest post by Charles Martin 

And by the way, all of Ann Voskamp's blog & "A Lent to Reflect" is really worth reading!

I will wait for another Lent to Experience this.

It's ok, because I have plenty of books!

FoMO or "No Man is an Island" Isolation

I never thought or planned to be offline as a time of fast to turn into such a long time. I began last year when I chose to participate in "If We Will ... He Will" preparation for the 50 day "battle plan"; then as usual I start the New Year off in Prayer & Fasting (so it continued) along with the 50 days with 50 States Prayer Project for Revival - a continuation of "If We Will ... He Will" (actual link to their site), which does not end until February 20th, but we're in the final stretch. Meanwhile this Wednesday, is the start of Lent (already) which often is 40 days of "prayer & fasting" (yet again).

The silver lining in this, in addition to drawing closer to God & shutting off the noise around us, is that at least during LENT, Sundays are not included in the 40 day count, and Sunday evenings are quite often the time that I have chosen as my regular post time (6 p.m.). Fasting from social media is definitely a much needed break but the decision was not intentional to be away from "people" that bless my life, because I miss you dearly and ever so much. Yet it makes me totally aware of how God/Jesus must feel when we are not in constant touch and connection with Him. I have read blog posts and articles from others in the past that 'fasted' from social media and the benefits or blessings they received. I don't do that much on social media platforms like Facebook, or Instagram, or Twitter or all the rest; just blogging and I guess You Tube (I didn't know that was considered to be one). I could 'fast' other things but since I only eat one meal a day that wouldn't work for me & I'm not sure the withdrawal of sugar, etc. I could survive. 

Anyways, it's not so much what you give up but what you fill your time with while you fast and clearly the hope is that you spend more time with God and in His Word. And I have done that!

I am not as connected with social media as others and I thought I was missing out. I never considered the possibility (nor did I really know about) FoMO:

"Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a unique term introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites. FoMO includes two processes; firstly, perception of missing out, followed up with a compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections.

and that I could be in "withdrawal" from that - like giving up sugars, caffeine in pop, etc.

  ... mostly because I wasn't as connected to social networking or media on a regular basis, however I sensed that I was developing a "fear of missing out" with the remaining people left in my life. I seem to have been slowly withdrawing from being with people and isolating myself more & more; and only had a few outlets to feel like I was still connecting with people. I will not go into the details of all of my isolation and withdrawal from people especially since COVID and returning to MN after 20 years away for the most part, except some very special ones (online and with my childhood friends) and now I have been temporarily (I hope) cut off from them also. So I was beginning to feel like it's not true that "no man is an island ..." (song and a poem) {I am more familiar with the song than the actual poem}. This island was of my own making. My island had become my isolation. I've created an island of my own, similar to walls that others build around themselves for various reasons. Often some people dream about living on an island, or escaping to an island. A tropical island might be nice, but only short term. I recall the joy I had looking out to the 3 islands of Mazatlán and even traveling out to them. I never considered it an escape but more of an adventure. Life on an island might seem ideal until a 'storm' comes, or you run out of supplies. There's an island on the small lake near our house in MN, which is accessible in the winter when it's frozen. In a way, I noticed that I sometimes feel drawn to venture out to islands as I gaze from a shoreline until I arrive there (lol) so I guess viewing them from a distance is enough.

My blog, which became and has been my form of social media platform since I was in Mexico, has steadily lost contact with the many bloggers I once knew; and now seems like an "island" because it basically has become my way of journaling my thoughts (publicly) and being accountable (but I'm not sure to whom - other than God, and He already knows all my thoughts, life and plans before I do) - to anyone reading this, with the hope that I am still sharing God's message of love as I share my story and journey in this life, primarily to encourage, give hope and inspire others to grow in their life journey; to know, love and serve Jesus more in whatever place their lives may be that we can reach out to one another and deepen our faith, strengthen our love & compassion for one another, speak life in the name of Jesus and lead others to know how wonderful the love of God is even when life gets hard or difficult.

I have no profound message of what being away from social media does, but there are plenty of others that have shared (so just google the benefits of a social media fast or any fast). I do think that it is a way to detoxify your mind and the clutter stored up in you and around you, however that basically is what I do when I sit down and begin to type a blog post. Some filtered, some not. I start out with one purpose and thought then I just flow. Often I move from one thought to another and it's not cohesive until I pause and ask the Holy Spirit to speak or move then allow Him to guide me with a clear focus. Otherwise, you end up with an endless flow going nowhere and I'm sure you can tell. Limiting yourself from social media has its advantages and also some disadvantages. Limiting yourself from God and people clearly is not the best choice so I hope I caught myself before I slip away and find myself and my life content without people connections but I can and will never limit my time away from God. Yet God created us to be in commUnion with Him and other relationships. Unity is God's desire. 

During Lent (which is the main reason I started this blog post), I will still be on a fast (at least for now until February 20th) offline except after that I will post on Sundays when I'm prompted and as you'll see on Ash Wednesday (another post previously written then added to Blogger) that I have many options for LENT and I will FOCUS on One Word each day and a recap or sharing on Sundays! Hope you'll continue to read along and join me. 

FOCUS

is much better

than

FoMO

GOD TIME & PRAYER

is always the

BEST

Being ReFreshed

in

God's Word

every day

 

NOTE: I forgot to adjust the Publishing Time, so this was suppose to publish at 6pm on Sunday. 

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!
<><><>
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😏👵

<>

How about you?

What's your One Word?

or

favorite color?

<><><>

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

"KEEP HOLDING ON..."

Back before the beginning of 2024, I noticed (before I went offline - because I still am until Feb. 20) that First 5 (F5) was/is doing a much needed study plan by many of us on God's Promises ... it starts(ed) on January 8th. Since I knew I was going to be in Prayer (and basically offline for my fast part), I kept this tucked away for a "do-later" moment and I didn't share, but I wish that I would have because perhaps some of you would have been interested in this:

"Keep Holding On:30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now"

I had hopes that 2024 would be a better year if I spent time with God in the first part of the year.
As I gazed through their Study Guide, I was sensing that maybe I should do this one with the F5 Community, even though back in 2020 PROMISES was my One Word, I was feeling drawn.
I definitely had been (or still may be)
HOLDING ON
Clinging to every. single. one. of God's Promises
for me, for you, for our loved ones
(but this study is only six weeks long, so I'll miss it with the group)
[First 5 will be starting their new Study on February 26 on Lamentations for 5 weeks]
LENT starts on February 14th so this could be a season of "lamenting".
Yet, I still find myself trying to HOLD ON & remain CALM as I FOCUS in 2024
in God's PRESENCE
Some of the PROMISES that First 5 chose from many more than 30 are:
Peace
Guidance
Comfort
Strength
Security
Hope

"With so many uncertainties in life, there are still some things you can be sure of When you feel like everything you’ve tried to hold on to has crumbled in your hands, and you’re reaching out for something — anything — sturdy and reliable, it can be hard to know what page to turn to in your Bible or how to personally apply Scripture to what you’re facing. Maybe you’ve heard about the promises of God, but have you ever wondered what they actually are? Whether you know them well or not, they are available for you to cling to in your time of need. If you’ve been in a season of doubt or if things have felt uncertain, unpredictable and unreliable … this 30-day study will be a lifeline that will show you what is always certain, sure and true with God."

After reading the above description of First 5's, I was certain that it was meant for me.
I seem to find myself in a season of so much uncertainty.
My life is unpredictable & unreliable (more & more) especially when you add in the others 
in my life & the current status of 2024.
I was not looking forward to it really at all, but I was clinging to my hope, faith and
as many of God's Promises I could find to cling to & remain in Christ.
I need to HOLD ON to what's promised by God.
"God's Promises are specific or timeless
and guaranteed! 100%"
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Usually I am set on the One Word for the next year by the end (or before) of the previous year (more of that in an upcoming blog post) - however, I found a wonderful book, that I've sent a copy of to a special sister💚 for her special day (even though it will arrive after her day) that will help me to FOCUS and I hope she will consider joining me. Usually we'd do a Word a Day in addition to One Word for the Year for each of us; whereas this one is just One Word a Week (52 in total). So in January the Word for each week are as follows: Diligent, Kindness, Position, Follow and for February: Discipline, Worship, Notice, Invest ... 

And none of those are the One Word(s) that I am pondering about for 2024 (again that blog post will appear soon). I considered making FOCUS my One Word though after I found this book and that would help me with "transforming my life" and it seems to be linked to one I was considering: "AGING"; but at least I have eliminated that one for 2024. I'm just not ready to focus on AGING because it already doesn't let me forget that it's happening quicker than I'd like. Meanwhile, I will center my thoughts on Prayer & the Psalms and have pre-written these blog posts to appear in February, as I keep Holding On, reading God's Word, seeking His Presence, experiencing all Jesus is & leaning into His Holy Spirit to breathe on me each day afresh and thanking God for these moments & promises, because "If We Will...then He Will!" 

And YES, I'm still offline 

(scheduled & written in advance)

"IF WE WILL ... THEN HE WILL"

On this last day of 2023, I've decided that before I begin my New Year of 2024 in Prayer & fasting (which is partly being offline, as I often include in my 'fasting'; so I'm not here, this was done in advance), I'm encouraging you to look at this website (which did this last year, but I just found out about it, and I feel that it's absolutely necessary for us as we face 2024) ... to PRAY for our nation (and the world). But, in my opinion, we need to clean up our 'mess' here at home first. That is why this Project caught my attention ... and I thank "A Three Strand Cord" for their warrior heart & this project:

A 50 State Prayer Project for Revival

"IF WE WILL ... then HE WILL"

based on the promise in Scripture found in

2 Chronicles 7:14

"... IF my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." NIV

They have already begun, even before 2024 begins, with "31 Days of Preparation" during the month of December. New Year's Day (2024) will be a time of Prayer & Fasting followed by 50 days of Prayer, for our 50 states, reading the book of Psalms, according to their plan and a book (pdf) that they've put together, available on their site. So rather than me trying to explain it here, why don't you head on over and read more at ifwewill (dot) com [linked above], download the full manuscript and be ready to read the book of Psalms with others in your state and the other 49 states, so that the entire book is being covered and PRAY for our nation.

My state (#23) begins with Psalms 73 and 74 according to their plan on pages 54-55 and continue forward each day following the reading plan through & then back to Psalms 1-5, while Alabama (#1) starts out with Psalms 1-5 and continues all the way through to Psalms 150. Georgia (#10) begins with Psalms 35 & 38 while Hawaii (#11) reads Psalms 36 & 37. If you can figure out what number your state is alphabetically then you'll know where to start & continue. But having the actual book (or pdf download) is so much better & so worthwhile.

The States are listed in alphabetical order and the Reading Assignments are listed after the State (some with 5 chapters, some less - based on the length, I think). I hope that they don't object to me sharing the reading assignments. But in their excellent book, each day of readings has a devotional, a main scripture verse focus, and I believe a Hymn, followed by dedicated prayer appealing to God for repentance and revival of His people, standing in the gap for Christian believers and our nation as a whole. Perhaps their Facebook page shares more of this or a daily inspiration or instruction. {I don't have/do Facebook} Certainly anyone from any place is welcome to join us in prayer. {that's me speaking, not the 'Project'} I believe that's it's good for everyone to start the year in Prayer as many church congregations do.

January 2, 2024 through February 20, 2024

Psalm Reading Assignments

1. Psalms 1 - 5                        26. Psalms 79-81 2. Psalms 6 - 9                        27. Psalms 82-85 3. Psalms 10-14                      28. Psalms 86-88 4. Psalms 15-17;19                 29. Psalm 89 5. Psalms 18, 20                     30. Psalms 90-92 6. Psalms 21-23                      31. Psalms 93-96 7. Psalms 24-27                      32. Psalms 97-101 8. Psalms 28-31                      33. Psalms 102 & 103 9. Psalms 32-34                      34. Psalms 104, 108 10. Psalms 35, 38                   35. Psalm   105 11. Psalms 36 & 37                 36. Psalm   106 12. Psalms 39-41                    37. Psalms 107, 110 13. Psalms 42-45                    38. Psalms 109, 111-112 14. Psalms 46-49                    39. Psalms 113-115 15. Psalms 50-52                    40. Psalms 116-118 16. Psalms 53-56                    41. Psalm 119:1-56 17. Psalms 57-59                    42. Psalm 119: 57-112 18. Psalms 60-63                    43. Psalm 119:113-176 19. Psalms 64-66                    44. Psalms 120-126 20. Psalms 67 & 68                 45. Psalms 127-132 21. Psalms 69 & 70                 46. Psalms 133-135;137-38 22. Psalms 71 & 72                 47. Psalms 136, 139 23. Psalms 73 & 74                 48. Psalms 140-143 24. Psalms 75-77                    49. Psalms 144-146 25. Psalms 78                         50. Psalms 147-150

This is the beginning of my heart and prayer from their writings (p.53)

"... May our nation be renewed as the beacon of hope and the bright light that it once was for His kingdom, and for the spreading of the gospel of good news to all the world."

"LET THE BATTLE BEGIN"
on our *knees in
PRAYER
*{or whatever position you pray from to God}
It's time to be United, not divided!
This is a battle for the soul of our nation.
Let's be God-honoring & God-fearing, humble before our Almighty God.
Let's be His People, called by His Name, worthy to come together
as one people, seeking His face
and mostly turning from the evil
& the wickedness consuming so many.
Let us bow before our Holy God & tear down strongholds
for the restoration of many hearts 
and the healing of our nation.
May God have mercy & hear the cries of repenting.
Lord, have mercy & forgive us!
We pray, Your Will be done!
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🎵Let there be Peace on Earth
and let it begin with me.🎵  

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I hope to be back here sometime in February or March 2024!
A Happy & Blessed 
New Year
2024!
Godspeed
and
May God be with you!
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I don't have a confirmed One Word for 2024 but a few that I'm considering ...
~Peggy
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GATEWAY Church
is doing their First Conference
Jan. 6-10
followed by this devotional & prayer
"Know Love Like This"
21 Days of Discovering God's Heart for You
YV version
{this is not my church, but a ministry I follow}



NOTE: If you're not sure which number 1-50 is your state alphabetically, just ask in the comments or I'm sure God (and the Project) would not mind if you just start at the beginning & read through - the important part is seeking God, perhaps praying the Psalm aloud as your prayer personally or for our nation.

ONE WORD

Often in this last week between CHRISTmas and New Year's Eve & Day, I do various posts about the One Word of the past year. The One Word that I held close all 2023 was JESUS; I spent 2023 WITH JESUS as my main focus, no matter what I faced, I was able to go back & lean on JESUS and reflect on all each week, each day, each moment and breath was because of JESUS. But as I indicated in my previous post - there really is no way to sum up JESUS - only God can!

Should I look back and reflect on this past year?

or should I look ahead to the next year?

{truthfully, I am not looking forward to 2024, nor do I want to look back at 2023}

That sure is a 'pickle'!

As I think back on the One Word of the past year and other years, I tend to have either given hints or subtle indications of my One Word for the next year (2024, in this case) but not this year. This coming year, you will have to wait for the revelation of the One Word for 2024 until after February 20th, 2024. 

Since it will be my last year before becoming the big 70, I was thinking that something with AGING would be a good One Word; such as Aging Faithfully, or Aging Gracefully or something with AGING since it's such a changing season and one you can't escape, yet I truly did not think I could AGE any more and most certainly I was not doing or able to do it either faithfully or gracefully so it looks like that One Word will be for another year, if I get to another year or God continues my life long enough to inspire me to write & focus better on AGING from a Godly perspective rather than a natural one. I do have others in mind, so we will have to wait and see after my time in prayer. 

At this time, I would just like to mention all the One Words that I have had since I have chosen to do the ONE WORD CHALLENGE instead of New Year Resolutions (I never really did those well either & saw little purpose in them). For me, One Word was much more appealing and purposeful, keeping me on track. I also notice that people give credit to others for originally starting this One Word Challenge. So I just want to set it straight that the first time I heard of this was when I was actively blogging with others and the authors that introduced me to "My One Word" were Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen (I believe it was through Rachel promoting it) and K-LOVE. 

Back in 2012, the One Word that I began with was LIGHT. In 2013, it was PEACE and HOPE in 2014. The One Word that I really should have started with, I did in 2015 - GRACE. And in 2016, I was in between TO BE and TO CHANGE as I made a major change, moving back to MN permanently after 20 years back & forth to living & serving in Mexico. Then after having been back just one year, the One Word HEALING was really needed & still needed in 2017. So in 2018, the One Word for me, became iBelieve. (I BELIEVE) The following year, 2019, I really needed to EMBRACE everything in a new way and all of my previous ONE WORDS & all that God has been teaching, showing and revealing to me. 

In 2020, I was given a fabulous ONE WORD from God - PROMISES (His & mine)! Followed by STRENGTH for 2021 and my key verse Isaiah 40:31 became exactly what I needed to continue on; my Lord's STRENGTH in my many weaknesses. Then I found myself in  2022, dealing with RELATIONSHIPS and rediscovering that the most important RELATIONSHIP is WITH JESUS! And that is how in 2023 JESUS - WITH JESUS became my One Word! And it's been the BEST ONE WORD EVER.

This is why I hesitate to move forward into 2024 with AGING as my ONE WORD and even in choosing another One Word because I truly believe that I reached my summit in One Word when I walked this last year's journey & challenge WITH JESUS, knowing & relying that HE IS WITH ME every step of the way and I desire to abide in JESUS more & more; to seek JESUS with all my heart, my soul, my mind and what's left in my life; however this AGING deal has made me quite weary, weak and aware that I need JESUS more & more and that I do rely on JESUS daily. Yet, I know that JESUS has pointed out and shown me that "HE'S still working on me - to make me all I need to be ..." (not just a kid's song)

[I do have a tab at the top of my blog below the header for "One Word" for a Page where I keep a record of my One Words through these years]

The reason that I choose a One Word or allow God to reinforce one for me in His Word is so that I look for this as my main focus throughout the year, giving me purpose and direction for me and the commitment to stick with this One Word in God's Word (verses in Scripture), readings, books, etc. and what I should focus on in my life as I try to overcome distractions & this One Word will change me or my life for the better. Choosing the One Word is a very individual and personal thing (between you & God, if you're a believer). Its aim is a challenge and a goal we each need in our life of something we are working on, maybe that we need to overcome or just something to help us grow wiser or better. I use that One Word to guide me. 

The books and websites are very helpful in showing you how to choose one. So I won't attempt to do so, even after more than 10 years experience (lol) - I still don't have it refined. What I do know though is that I highly recommend that you try it and choose a One Word. Sometimes families choose a One Word together or Churches do. Sometimes the One Word may come from a Scripture verse(s) that God keeps showing you or it has become repetitive in a special way while you read here & there or it keeps coming up everywhere you turn. {yeah, that's a good indicator, God's trying to get your attention} So start with that verse or a Word in that WORD and look for other verses to see if they seem to be saying something to you or your particular situation or season in your life. God will let you know. Or even if you're not sure, start with it and see how it's working after one month with it? does it align with your life (goals or situations)? A Bible Verse is a good place to start or choose your One Word in His Word and surely God will speak over & over if it's meant for you. Look at it in different versions and hopefully it will click. There is power in One Word! What do you hope God will do in your life? That's your One Word ... and 

I pray God leads you (and me) to the perfect One Word for 2024!

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Journal your journey with your One Word!

IF 

you have a 2024 One Word & would be willing to share it, please add it in the comments!