FOCUS: September ONE WORDS

For the month of September, these have been the 4 One Words for us to "Focus" on:

CULTIVATE

week of September 8

ILLUMINATE

week of September 15

COURAGE

week of September 22

With this being our last One Word Focus:

BEAUTY

this last week of September 29

<><><>

As I attempted in August, I'm going to perhaps try again & do it this time in September -

to only post this one blog post for the entire month, but change each week

The One Word in BOLD type will be the One Word FOCUS that week.

For now, I will be sharing the basics:

Scripture(s)

[I plan to LINK the One Word to Bible Hub Topical search]

As I have done with the 1st One Word, 

I hope to add 

at least that much each week for the other 

One Words weekly.

These One Words are so very important 

this fall & always, so

Let's

on

BEAUTY

week of September 29

"... open your eyes to what God sees as BEAUTIFUL ... " 

and thank Him for all the BEAUTY 

He reveals to you. 

For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes & pride of life-is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 ESV

1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV; Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV; 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV; Psalm 27:4 ESV

"Jesus, Your BEAUTY surrounds. Help me to see."

Thank You Lord Jesus
for the BEAUTY placed inside us!
I love FALL & really hope to find some BEAUTY this week in life!
My life and all that surrounds me right now,
can take the BEAUTY out of looking
outside at a BEAUTIFUL sunny SONday and seeing
only the 'clouds' on a cloudless blue sky day.
So I look up, not just look out
and try not to look in as I
🙏
hoping
more BEAUTY shines

<>

[You can STOP reading HERE]

but please be sure to go to the 

COMMENTS

to share & read 

Finding myself SEEKING CALM this week in any 

BEAUTY

understanding more & more why God

spoke that One Word: CALM for me for 2024

<>
NEXT WEEK
we will begin a new Blog Post for the 
OCTOBER ONE WORD(s)
FOCUS(es)

<><><>
YOU may CONTINUE HERE[if you didn't read it the first week or might like to review again]
I apologize for only proposing to share one blog post for the entire month.
If time becomes more available, and my thoughts more FOCUSED,I hope that I am able to share more, because I value being able toread CCR's devotional each week and
FOCUSing on One Word
and her FOCUS TIP provided each week is so helpful.
I hope that you come back here each week and share your thoughts still.
I, too, hope that I am able to share my FOCUS or favorite quote in Comments.
Thank you for continuing as you are able so that
One Word a Week will transform our lives.
Such a meaningful way to be in 
God's Word.
The BEAUTY of God's Word will transform us,
CULTIVATE more COURAGE
and truly ILLUMINATE
our FOCUS & thoughts; our hearts & souls
will be strengthened, comforted, and flourish 
with more
JESUS
(in US)

Too much is happening in our world & lives
to not fill ourselves more each day
by His SPIRIT as we
LIVE,
LOVE and LINGER
{it's suppose to say "laugh", yet I am finding less & less that brings laughter these days}

I pray your life finds more laughter in your moments that you LINGER here or more importantly in God's Presence daily, weekly and still continue in 2024 and beyond

<><><>
Adding the previous ones completed HEREafter we've completed them:

CULTIVATE

was for the week of September 8

CCR's main scripture for her devotional:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV

Other Scripture verses:

Ecclesiastes 3:2 NASB; Proverbs 28:19 NASB; Galatians 6:9 NIV; Luke 1:37 BSB

"Jesus, help me to discern.I want to CULTIVATE what matters."🙏
{many of the verses I found used "cultivated" and listed 75 verses containing "cultivate" in various versions}

This is one of my choices with our One Word:
Now I entreat you, brethren [brothers & sisters], in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to CULTIVATE a spirit of harmony--all of you--and that there be no divisions among you, but rather a perfect union through your having one mind and one judgement.1 Corinthians 1:10 (WEY) [Richard Francis] Weymouth New Testament version

Not just my choice, but my prayer!

<>

[credit image: Bible Hub; Ephesians 3:9]

ILLUMINATE

week of September 15

"to supply or brighten with light, to make clear"

definition given by CCR in opening sentence

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works & give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

the additional scriptures for the devo by CCR are:

Daniel 5:14 NASB; John 1:9 NASB; Luke 11:34 NLT; Ephesians 1:18 NASB

"Jesus, when I abide, You illuminate."
<>

COURAGE

 week of September 22

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Psalm 31:24 ESV

Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV; Psalm 56:3-4 CSB; Psalm 27:1 NKJV; Joshua 1:9 NIV

It came to me as I pondered this new One Word that:

both encouragement & discouragement 

have "courage" in the center.

Most of us prefer the first, but it takes courage for both,

maybe more for the latter.

"Jesus, You are near. Make me courageous."
Yes, Lord, more COURAGE every day as we wait for You.

Let's pray to have more COURAGE
Besides finding quite a few COURAGE images that I liked &I forgot to give credit for those images (sorry) but each one has its source
So, there are plenty of BIBLE Verses on COURAGE (& its many forms of this One Word) (i.e. Courageous) 
and also all that CCR shares as she encourages us in this week's devo:
...reminding us that "God is walking with" us, giving us all the COURAGE we need to fulfill our purpose" [from the FOCUS TIP]
<><><>
Don't forget the section on
TAKING INVENTORY
because there's no break between now & when OCTOBER starts
unless you've been doing them right along with each
ONE WORD
I'm FOCUSing on #1 on BEAUTY
and am planning to take some time away to one of those
specific places that shines the BEAUTY of the Lord
in the next 2 weeks, I hope
IF NOT
there is plenty of
BEAUTY
right outside my door in 7 acres of pines
(#3's quick answer is "I always have 'distractions' that I need to remove
or cut off so that I can better FOCUS on Jesus & the splendor of 
His Magnificent BEAUTY!)
#2 I 💙 the Words of 1 Peter 3:4 NIV!!!
now to figure out the 'How' to seek
"the unfading BEAUTY of a gentle & quiet spirit"
- that certainly fits with my 2024 One Word -
CALM

FairNSquare Prints (Etsy)

[I will probably have to remove this so enjoy while you can]
There were 2 images for this verse; I like the other one more but this one had 
Your BEAUTY right up front
Check out their other prints😉

FOCUS: September ONE WORDS

For the month of September, these will be the 4 One Words for us to "Focus" on:

CULTIVATE

week of September 8

ILLUMINATE

week of September 15

COURAGE

week of September 22

BEAUTY

week of September 29

<><><>

As I attempted in August, I'm going to perhaps try again & do it this time in August -

to only post this one blog post for the entire month.

The One Word in BOLD type will be the One Word FOCUS that week.

For now, I will be sharing the basics:

Scripture(s)

[I plan to LINK the One Word to Bible Hub Topical search]

As I have done with the 1st One Word, 

I hope to add 

at least that much each week for the other 

One Words weekly.

These One Words are so very important 

this fall & always

BEAUTY

week of September 29

"... open your eyes to what God sees as BEAUTIFUL ... " 

and thank Him for all the BEAUTY 

He reveals to you. 

For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes & pride of life-is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 ESV

1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV; Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV; 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV; Psalm 27:4 ESV

"Jesus, Your BEAUTY surrounds. Help me to see."

<>

[You can STOP reading HERE until next week]

which can be found 

here

but please go to the 

COMMENTS

to share & read 

<>
YOU may CONTINUE HEREthe original post[if you didn't read it the first week or might like to review again]
I apologize for only proposing to share one blog post for the entire month.
If time becomes more available, and my thoughts more FOCUSED,I hope that I am able to share more, because I value being able toread CCR's devotional each week and
FOCUS on each One Word
and her FOCUS TIP provided each week is so helpful.
I hope that you come back here each week and share your thoughts still.
I, too, hope that I am able to share my FOCUS or favorite quote in Comments.
Thank you for continuing as you are able so that
One Word a Week will transform our lives.
Such a meaningful way to be in 
God's Word.
The BEAUTY of God's Word will transform us,
CULTIVATE more COURAGE
and truly ILLUMINATE
our FOCUS & thoughts; our hearts & souls
will be strengthened, comforted, and flourish 
with more
JESUS
(in US)

Too much is happening in our world & lives
to not fill ourselves more each day
by His SPIRIT as we
LIVE,
LOVE and LINGER
{it's suppose to say "laugh", yet I am finding less & less that brings laughter these days}

I pray your life finds more laughter in your moments that you LINGER here or more importantly in God's Presence daily, weekly and still continue in 2024 and beyond
<>
Adding the previous ones completed HEREafter we've completed them:

CULTIVATE

was for the week of September 8

CCR's main scripture for her devotional:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV

Other Scripture verses:

Ecclesiastes 3:2 NASB; Proverbs 28:19 NASB; Galatians 6:9 NIV; Luke 1:37 BSB

"Jesus, help me to discern.I want to CULTIVATE what matters."🙏
{many of the verses I found used "cultivated" and listed 75 verses containing "cultivate" in various versions}

This is one of my choices with our One Word:
Now I entreat you, brethren [brothers & sisters], in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to CULTIVATE a spirit of harmony--all of you--and that there be no divisions among you, but rather a perfect union through your having one mind and one judgement.1 Corinthians 1:10 (WEY) [Richard Francis] Weymouth New Testament version

Not just my choice, but my prayer!

ILLUMINATE

week of September 15

"to supply or brighten with light, to make clear"

definition given by CCR in opening sentence

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works & give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

the additional scriptures for the devo by CCR are:

Daniel 5:14 NASB; John 1:9 NASB; Luke 11:34 NLT; Ephesians 1:18 NASB

"Jesus, when I abide, You illuminate."

[credit image: Bible Hub; Ephesians 3:9]

COURAGE

for this week of September 22

It came to me as I pondered this new One Word that:

both encouragement & discouragement 

have "courage" in the center.

Most of us prefer the first, but it takes courage for both,

maybe more for the latter.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Psalm 31:24 ESV

Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV; Psalm 56:3-4 CSB; Psalm 27:1 NKJV; Joshua 1:9 NIV

"Jesus, You are near. Make me courageous."
Yes, Lord, more COURAGE every day as we wait for You.

Let's pray to have more COURAGE
Besides finding quite a few COURAGE images that I liked &I forgot to give credit for those images (sorry) but each one has the source
I also found"12 Trails of Courage"in Wisdom Trek by Leesha Chamberlainthat was quite interesting, if you have time to check it out.
The first Trail for gaining COURAGE for the journey states:
"1. The Trail of Personal Responsibility" (for example)
"Courage gives you the strength to take personal responsibility for your actions. ..."
from Part 1 (has 1-6 of the 12)
Part 2 (7-12) "Infusing your life with COURAGE"
I know I need some gems of wisdom on COURAGE, and thankful I found this site.
So, there are plenty of BIBLE Verses on COURAGE (& its many forms of this One Word) (i.e. Courageous) 
and also all that CCR shares as she encourages us in this week's devo:
...reminding us that "God is walking with" us, giving us all the COURAGE we need to fulfill our purpose" [from the FOCUS TIP]

BREAK - TAKING INVENTORY WEEK

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

being celebrated tomorrow

September 2nd

(or all of this past weekend)

TAKING INVENTORY WEEK
of
AUGUST
One Words
this week

<>

unless you did them each week along with the One Word

<><><>

IMPORTANT

if you don't see the current post of the week for FOCUS:

SEPTEMBER ONE WORDS

the blog post will show up on Sunday at 6 pm again

with the new One Word Focus 

4th August FOCUS: One Word - REFRESHED

In the month of August, these have been the 

4 One Words for us to "Focus" on:

ROOTED

week of August 4

RESTORATION

week of August 11

STAY

week of August 18

REFRESHED

week of August  25

Every one of these One Words were needed by me.

Yes, Lord, I need to be ROOTED, RESTORED & REFRESHED -

and STAY that way constantly every moment of every day! 

Thank You! Perhaps that's Heaven!

a constant flow of Your Spirit

<>

Meanwhile

Let's just be REFRESHED and STAY REFRESHED

by REFRESHING Others

[credit: Proverbs 31 Min.]

"Seeking Jesus for Satisfaction" -Michelle Martino

 "RE" the Most Beautiful Prefix in History" - Beth Moore

"Finding True Rest" - Ruth Schwenk (author of "Jesus, Calm My Heart")

"Missing the Most Important Part" - Angie Smith

for 216 more from Proverbs 31 Ministry from my search on

REFRESHED

{some of my favorites above & this one "30 REFRESHING Ways..." from my valuable P31 collection}

but I'm not sure if it's still available from 2023

 & you have to sign up

[removed image on 8/31/24 follow link]

<><><>

So this is the One Word for this last week in August (the 4th one)

REFRESHED

(and all its variants)

It seems to be the most timely One Word 

for me, right now

so because of this, my blog post will be brief

while I hopefully find time to be

REFRESHED

[perhaps more later, or from you in the comments]

RE + FRESH = to be made "new" (fresh) again

"give new strength or energy; reinvigorate"

Yes, I need all that & more 

JESUS

CCR's main devotional Scripture Verse is:

... He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:3 ESV

The other Scripture verses are:

Jeremiah 31:25 ESV; Psalm 19:7 ESV; Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV; Acts 3:19 NIV

Lord Jesus,
REFRESH 
Our Souls
every minute with
Your Living Water💦 
drop by drop

1 Corinthians 16:18 ESVPhilemon 1:7 Romans 15:32
<>
I am sure that I am not the only one that needs 
time & space to step away
with God and be
REFRESHED
🙏

that we can & do
in Jesus' name
💦

Reminder: Next Week (September 1) is a break or time for "Taking Inventory" on these 4 One Words: 
ROOTED

RESTORATION

STAY

REFRESHED

Return on September 8th, 6 pm for
SEPTEMBER One Words
<>
My new newest acronym for R.E.S.T.:
Remember
R.= Receive; for now REFRESH *E.= Embrace; S.= **STAY...(calm, firm, etc); T.= Trust
* there are many really good "R" One Words like:Remember; **Remain; Restore; Revive; Renew; Rest ...but for the end of August & beginning of September
it's gotta be
REFRESH
and you'll find
REST
in Him
ALWAYS💓
Next Week Sept. 1 - 7: Remember to do your "Taking Inventory"
See you on September 8th, 6 pm for
SEPTEMBER One Words

3rd August FOCUS: One Word - STAY

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

ROOTED

week of August 4

RESTORATION

week of August 11

STAY

week of August 18

*FAITHFUL & TRUE

<><><>

REFRESHED

week of August  25

{surely there must be a correlation in these "roots"}

You can view all 4 back here.

<>

Last week was RESTORATION for the 2nd Week

and the 1st Week was ROOTED

so this Week 3, we'll remain

on
STAY
This is the main verse that CCR uses with the devotion:

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV

These are the other scripture verses for this devotional:
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESVHebrews 6:10 ESVActs 20:24 ESVHebrews 10:36 ESV
Bible Hub topical search with many definitions & 221 occurrences
whereas Life Bible search shows 1775 verses containing STAY from various versionsand some other forms like: stayed, staying, stays
According to CCR, the author, from a quick search:

" ... it is often STAYing that grows us the most. STAYing requires us to die to our selves and our own perception of what is important, fun, or relevant." ...

And of course, the FOCUS Tip includes our One Word: STAY and the prayer:

" Jesus, I will STAY where You instruct. Peace will be mine. Amen"

Lord, help us stand firm in our faith.
"Throughout Scripture, You ask Your people
to STAY and fight ..." 
at times ...
Lead me where & in what ways You want me to
STAY 
still.
<>
I was really hoping to STAY right here awhile and had so many thoughts that you'll read; like I wanted to share on STAY or go (for one example) and even some more on being still or to STAY still when all around you seems to be spinning out of control (but always in the control of the One who is in control at all times, even when we think or try to be). It can be a constant struggle for us humans (might I say, especially women) to not want to be or "feel compelled to start taking those situations into our own hands" - so often, even in our prayers, when we know that God's got this and He's totally in control. 

Yes, I'm circling around and around that FOCUS Tip because currently (into our 5th week), I am in a helpless and seemingly hopeless situation, which is why I attempted to draw back at the beginning of August. And even right as I'm typing this, when I'd like to STAY and listen to the Spirit guiding me, as I really hope as I look to a week ahead of so much conflict & schedule (beyond myself) where I know I truly need God and I'm more than "ready to feel a sense of peace as" I'd love to loosen my grip and allow my heart to slow down but not stop as I'm dealing with my own high blood pressure and the other person's very low blood pressure (with much concern & lack of knowledge about this & his medical needs & situation; feeling totally inadequate), I turn & rely on God (and googling this & that, I gotta be honest) stopping to STAY still in this moment with this One Word - because in so many ways, it's the exact One Word that connects all of these 4 One Words in August for me; and also with my 2024 One Word: CALM. I tell myself "self - STAY calm", "God's got this", "God's got you - just like He always has and look how far He's gotten you", "Remember MX, as you came to Him and waited (impatiently mostly) yet still patiently for His GO or STAY and He knew and He confirmed. 

Yes, He's always been Faithful & True! And He only asked me to STAY in Him. As I daily have returned to MN, it's been such a battle (and struggle) for me to remain, to STAY - but just like MX, I'm calling on God & fully leaning on Him every step of the way. Because in my human power, I wanna run ... but when I turn to Him and I abide or remain in Him; supernaturally or divinely He further this discipline to STAY and to trust Him. I am sure that this devotion for this week, will take me beyond SEEK; as I shared in the comments of "Taking Inventory" at the end of July (mid year review) and choosing STAY reluctantly as the One Word God is encouraging me to do as I really need to STAY CALM as I started again & STAY "in the shadow of His wings" (Psalm 91 and Isaiah 40:31). As I started saying in the beginning of this, "I just want to STAY where You are, {actually the word in the song is not STAY but 'be'} dwelling daily in Your Presence; I don't want to worship from afar; Draw me near to where You are ... " Don Moen's "I Want to Be Where You Are".

I'm sure that CCR's quote above that I shared from my quick search that God wants me to "grow" and "die more to my self" is exactly what to STAY will require, only with God and by His Holy Spirit; in His strength but it's a tough road ... and I'm certain others of you have walked it or are walking this journey, no matter how many years you've been blessed to call yourself a believer in Jesus Christ, or were simply blessed to be born into a beautiful legacy of believers; in different seasons throughout our life, we will find ourselves learning once again, all it takes to surrender again and again each day "being watchful (alert); standing firm in our faith ... to be strong" IN HIM ... "In Christ alone"- we abide, seek, pursue, trust and receive His love & aMazing Grace for one more step forward, or His Grace to STAY; either way - in Him, and in His will always! Faithful! Always True! [*Insert the image from above right here]

My newest acronym R.E.S.T.: R.=Receive; E.= Embrace; S.=*STAY...(calm, firm, etc); T.= Trust

* STAY - REMAIN in Him