CALM ... in His Love

"With His Love

He will

CALM

you"

Zephaniah 3:17

{I moved the Verse Image for this to below}

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When I cannot sleep

(which is too often)

I literally plead with God

to help me sleep

and then

I fell upon this verse

that I'm sure I've read many times

but make it into my

"Breath Prayer"

[remember that book by Jennifer Tucker]

at least that's how I found out about this practice of taking & turning scripture verses

into "breath prayers" of

Inhale & Exhale

Helps

a whole lot

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2024

is quickly coming to a close

and I have so much still

to learn about my

One Word

CALM

and

I am still finding more books

with

CALM

and

not enough time to read or finish 

yet

like other "One Words" you never 

really finish with them 

however

you don't have to

nor do you have to continue with them

as your FOCUS for the

next year.

They just continue with you

as you progress

forward

with

the new year

and a

new One Word

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For today

I just want to share two more books

that I've added to my

CALM

books

[one as a sample for now & the other in my 

Kindle Unlimited trial period]

"CALM Your Anxious Mind" 

by Carrie Marrs

{similar title to one of the last books I shared}

"Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart"

and the other one:

"A Deeper Kind of CALM"

by Linda Dillow

[she's written another one also on this]

"CALM my Anxious Heart"

but I chose the first one I listed for now

Since both of these are new authors for me,

and one was highly recommended 

with another book on another topic 

that I tucked away for now; 

I will have to adjust & read slowly

to gather as much as I can

about being

CALM

in my mind & in my heart

so much easier said (written) than done

Trust me, even after this full year

I've just skimmed the surface

with much work to acquire this

CALM

along with the Peace it brings

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Here's a very

Powerful truth taken right away

from the first devotion of the first book

"CALM Your Anxious Mind" 

... (God) "He can ground you. He can bring powerful truths to mind, CALM your breathing, send helpers."...

"God, help me sense Your Presence right now."

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[image credit: You Version images]

 And then the second devotion is for Zephaniah 3:17 (the verse image in the beginning of this blog post) and the one that became my "breath prayer".The title of this devotion is: "His Heart's Wrapped Up with Yours" ... yes 🙌🏼 and "with His love, He CALMS me" ... quiets me ... wraps me securely.

At this point in my life, I can only imagine the wonder and awe of such all-encompassing Love that subdues all fears and insecurities that "wraps me" - "wraps my heart with His" but He does & He has, ever since the very beginning and every so often, I can pause and recall that first love, that first moment, with such complete awe that it actually does/did take my breath away and every time that I spend special moments with Him again and again, I am enthralled that His divine Love has remained all these years - steadfast, faithful and so powerful that "nothing can separate us" (Romans 8:38-39; 35) that closeness - do you sense the awesomeness of such closeness? entwining His heart with yours.

 If you breathe this verse as your prayer, often enough, I believe you, like I, can find the CALM in His Love. For God is love.

And in Him, hold your breath - now let it out, because He loves you; rest in the CALM and sense His Peace enveloping you; and all your thoughts, all your restlessness from all you face, let it go - yes, release & let it out and find your place in Him; totally wrapped - like that 'babe in the manger', wrapped in swaddling clothes - God with us, Immanuel - who came to us, wrapped Himself, His Godly self, in human flesh, out of Love. Divine love. That can take a heart of stone and turn it into a heart of flesh that loves & He CALMS our hearts with His as we surrender and invite Him IN (just like the INN, we need to make room for Him!) JESUS Christ, who we celebrate this season for this very reason. Love came down, so that we might love in return and show love to one another - just like Him. 

This Christmas (a week from now) invite Him in(n)! {long ago, I wrote a blog post on Room in the Inn, La Posada, it's probably one that I drafted}

You still have time to prepare Him room, but He'll come and love you just as you are, because He's waiting and wanting you to come and wrap your heart with His forever, by just believing & receiving all Jesus came to earth for ... to redeem each of us. It's one grand gift that you cannot afford not to open this year! This is my continual prayer for you and all your loved ones to receive Jesus Christ, Son of God, son of man, who died so you might all live eternally with God. His Presence is the best present you can ever receive! Open your heart to His. Unwrap this once and be wrapped forever in His Love that keeps giving and giving! Wrap ourselves in Hope, Joy, Peace and Love - HIS - redeeming Love that brings Him through us to one another and restores the CALM in us and around us. 

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Post note: I realized now after this published that I should have written a blog post each week during Advent, similar to this one and one coming on each of the Advent themes, since LOVE is one of the four; along with Hope & Joy (not done) but getting ready to do one for Peace. Who knows I may be inspired enough to go back and stick the two I missed into the previous blog posts? or just add them in between CHRISTmas Day & the New Year, as we close 2024.

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.
_________________________________________

More CALM, less fret ...

It seems as if I go round and round with these same versesas I "think on these things" and hope to uncover the key to CALM

... Philippians 4: 4-6-7;  Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  5Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

followed by these verses in my November "Pause: Gratitude" of

... Philippians 4: 8-9 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

[the new book my Jennifer Tucker is focused on verses 8 and 9]

But it is blatantly obvious that I need all of
Philippians 4:
from the 
Exhortation, Encouragement and Prayer
followed by
God's Provision
then to
"... Stand firm in the Lord ..."
yet this is written first to us in verse 1, not after or just at the end;
A DEFIANT Joy (10 day plan), Defiant JOY (5 day plan)
or perhaps
this may be why I am drawn to 
Asheritah Ciuciu's upcoming Joy book and her current (12.1-13) podcast
however
I need to stick with and find the
CALM
in
2024

still in 2024. and on into 2025

I shared Max Lucado's acronym for CALM a few times already this year here and here and ... which follows Philippians 4:4, 6, 8 (and the definitions even more) yet I still could use something more and some CALM. Since the passage from Philippians is the most highlighted passage, I'm not alone (nor are you) apparently we all could use a word of comfort as we seek CALM in this earthly dwelling place, and for me, the whole world is just becoming more and more unsettled and upside down and highly concerning to me of our future here. Another book I have from Max Lucado and a great quote is "Less Fret, More Faith" (2017) so that's what I plan to do but know 2024 will not resolve with more CALM for my life, however, I have more tools and just need to keep working at applying all I have gleaned from this One Word this past year, holding on to it even more as we approach and enter what I consider to be a tumultuous time in 2025 forward until Jesus rescues us so I might still be searching for more CALM day by day until that time, but the by product is "More Faith" - "standing firm in the Lord"; learning to "keep my heart steadfast and CALM" but let's not overlook that this comes "through confident Trust" in Him. Since this book by Max was written pre-covid and also before many others that he's published since and "What's Next?" the most current one I have. I just sense that they all line up with helping me cope and learn to be CALM - and not fret. 

FRET: to be grieved, troubled or displeased. Constantly or visibly worried or anxious. [Angst (unease) and xious]. To burn or to be kindled with anger. [various sources in my book Notes] 

So for right now, I am checking out my coping strategies and accessing my tools. Yes, I'm starting over again and praying for His "...peace that passes all understanding" with more of His reassurance "Everything is secure. You can rest now." Max wrote "five verses with four admonitions that lead to (that) one wonderful promise" in verse 7 from Philippians 4:4-8 and I add 9 to complete this. My problem right now is I struggle with verse 4 and letter "C" of CALM to Celebrate ... "Rejoice in the Lord always" but this is closely followed by "A" to "Ask God for help. (verse 6) which I immediately do (have to do) upon reading that Rejoice always part ... so it's definite that I really need to Learn to "L" Leave my concerns with Him. So Lord (🙏from Max's Intro in this 11 week action plan) {I probably already shared but I need to pray it again} 

🙏"Dear Lord, You spoke to storms. Would You speak to ours? You CALMed the hearts of the apostles. Would You CALM the chaos within us? You told them to fear not. Say the same to us.*** We are weary from our worry, battered and belittled by the gales of life. Oh Prince of Peace, bequeath to us a spirit of CALM ... will you turn a new leaf in our lives? Quench anxiety. Stir courage. Let us know less fret and more faith. In Your name, amen."🙏"Less Fret, More Faith"

*** I have much more FEAR in my life now in November than I did when I started 2024

I am beyond thankful always for His aMazing
Grace
Thank You Lord Jesus!
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"LORD
Grant me the wisdom to remember
that You are not the source of *anxiety (or *whatever)
Rather, help me remember that resting in You
provides relief from all worry.
Give me courage to choose what is
good and pure, even when it is hard or inconvenient."
end of Week 1, Max Lucado, Less Fret, More Faith

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I'm sure come December
I will need more JOY and fa-la-la
but this November
I'll keep giving thanks for ...
the C.A.L.M. 
(any and all CALM)
and my Faith in Jesus, standing firm 🙏