FREEDOM on a FALL DAY

My FALL ReCap

{One of the six that came to wish me}
Happy

October 9th, 2024
your special day
so then I read Roy Lessin's post with this

[photo credit Marina Bromley]

"Life's Highest Purpose"

was published on Meeting in the Meadow

which certainly seems like the perfect way to begin a new decade of life

and be thankful for the life and purpose God gave me years ago

that allows me 

FREEDOM

to live the rest of my life

better

"Trust (ing) Him fully, follow (ing) Him completely, (to) please Him whole-heartedly and never look back." - Roy Lessin

as I pray(ed) the "Morning Moment of Prayer" from Sue Boldt

[image credit: SueBoldt.com]


I waited and watched
as the Lord came and shared with me
throughout this day of celebration
with new
FREEDOM
enjoying every moment that I could
on this beautiful autumn day!
{this truly, in itself, is a gift from God, as others are facing the impact of yet anotherimpending hurricane (filled with tornadoes) as it comes ashore in theFlorida peninsula with such devastating destruction}
Hurricane Milton following Hurricane Helene

Much PRAYER needed for so Many!🙏

Finding FREEDOM to be the One Word this week designated or "fall"-ing during this moment in time, I also find to be a significant timing of God as I begin yet a new decade, a new year of my life, with so many challenges and a unique difference than where I thought my life might be at this time. Facing days on end with little FREEDOM yet living in a place that affords much FREEDOM. Finding that FREEDOM is on the line in so many places and so many ways in this critical time.

FREEDOM is a prominent theme throughout the world at this time, but particularly in the nation that has been given so many "freedoms" (the one in which I have the privilege to have been born and raised in) and my own father fought in WW II to preserve our freedom (and in fact, he was a POW). I treasure & give thanks for the many people who have given their lives to defend our country as I watch other nations in the world fight for their freedom; and people (especially women) that are losing so many of their freedoms. This world is in "desperate" need of Jesus, as Savior, and for their Rescuer and Deliverer. Even many who already claim to be Christian.

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Today is also World Mental Health Day.  Many are desperate also to have FREEDOM in this area of their lives. We need God's healing touch in so many areas of our lives, yet mental health is one that definitely affects more families than we realize. All of us need to guard our mental health at different times, in different seasons, and in different ways - for ourselves & our families. This is a FREEDOM most of us take for granted until or unless something happens that causes us to pause and know that we need to take care of our minds and our mental health (emotional health too) along with our physical health and spiritual health.  

FREEDOM is such a powerful word! 

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"Freedom"

is also a popular song at this time

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There are 194 verses that contain the word

FREEDOM

according to one source in various versions

Bible Hub shows 45 occurrences only

"...but where the spirit of the Lord is,

there is FREEDOM"

When I began this blog post, I had something else in mind ... but then the day's interruptions happened and I lost my FREEDOM of my day and the FREEDOM to continue writing yet I really wanted to share how beautiful I found October 9th and the opportunity I was given to enjoy a day of FREEDOM (mostly) from my day to day responsibilities (a special "gift" from the other caregiver) ...  

So I began my day with God; and then I opened cards & "gifts" from a dear sweet friend that never forgets me on this day; & a few texts & an invite from my sister to go out to lunch (which wasn't possible) and a chat with my daughter and wishes from her children ... and a few belated ones today. Since I don't do social media, other than here, sometimes I miss out, but it's ok. Even one of my cousins, who moved further north & so I have not seen her, sent me a message wishing me well. Also received cards from the caregiver above, our fur baby, and one from Sam (purchased by his caregiver, 'cuz Sam doesn't do cards ever) and a special friend of his. 

After the beginning of the day, I took many "fall photos" and spent glorious times outside with God & my deer family delighted me in the early evening with their precious greeting. 

But in my in between moments, I read from 3 books on "aging" ... "Aging Well" by June Hunt; "Beauty of Aging: Growing Older with Grace, Gratitude and Grit" by Karen O'Connor and "Healing Your Grief about Aging ..." (Growing Older with Confidence, Meaning and Grace" {so there's a correlation for you ... with this blog post ... and the mental health issue (inserted) (lol)} 

Perhaps I need prayer for my adjustments into this new decade of life; my insecurities, fears, and health issues yet I really am "trusting God" more fully (the Marina Bromley image for Roy Lessin's "Meeting in the Meadow") and although I did not meet with God in a meadow, I did in our beautiful 7 acres of woods & pines and with some time gazing out onto Lake Louise with sheer delight that God meets us wherever we are - even in our daily caregiving; job; family responsibilities & chores; meals; all aspects of our daily living, if we just invite Him in and acknowledge His Presence with us - wherever we are; even when we might be the one needing care and service: bed-ridden or hospice or home care; or just not doing well & need a helping hand to make it through the day. We all are aging, from the minute we are born and each day in our life, is one more day closer to our death, but for those of us who know Jesus & have accepted His gift of salvation, we are one day closer to an eternal life with Him. I pray you and your loved ones & friends know Jesus! Please keep mine in your prayers! Thank you.

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I looked at quotes and chose this one, in closing:

(of course, Bible Verses are best)

"True FREEDOM is achieved through death" 

~Steven Magee

{some don't agree}

but this one 

"The price of FREEDOM is death"

~Malcolm X

which definitely is true (IMO)

 because Jesus Christ

paid the price of death

so that

we can have our

FREEDOM

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Hope you are able to find true

FREEDOM

in Christ

and on any "fall" day

may you enjoy

the warm

Autumn Sonshine

of knowing this

FREEDOM

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🙏

[began this in the morning & finally finished just in time for my 6pm normal publishing]

on the day after the 9th

10-10

2024

[John 10:10 was the Verse of the day, but there is FREEDOM in this, too]

Yesterday, I searched each book of the Bible for 10:9 verses!

Try it sometime for your birthday date (not the year) LOL

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I have some AUTUMN photos that I took 

but was unable to upload here

{I was able to add 3 here & my next blog post}

except for my sweet little deer friend, 

but no beautiful fall colors in that one.

BEAUTY in a FALL LIKE DAY

[credit image: Marina Bromley; Roy Lessin]

(Meet Me in the Meadow)

When I saw this today, September 30th

I just had to share the image and the link to Meet Me in the Meadow
{one of my favorite places to "Meet" with the Lord}
and because it's copyrighted (I'm sure) it can not remain on my blog
but the verse was Psalm 23:5 NKJV (just one portion of it)
however it's Roy Lessin's words that I want to capture
on the FALL photo

"His oil heals and soothes, CALMS and relieves and causes His face to shine upon you." Roy Lessin

There it is my 2024 One Word
CALM
and in case I have to remove the image of "Autumn Leaves" 
here are some from northern Minnesota
{the leaves have not changed yet where I live}

Yes ... the BEAUTY of Autumn

brings me 

AWE

and 

CALM

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"How do we pursue BEAUTY in the Lord - ...?"
[the beginning of the last paragraph in this week's devotion by CCR]
And CCR has a BEAUTIFUL answer
before and after this sentence
"BEAUTY from the inside out, that is His heart."
followed by the last sentence of this devotion that captures
the essence of 
BEAUTY
just like the fall for me
{I can never get enough!}
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Be sure to follow the link to "Meet Me in the Meadow" and especially read the Prayer.
Perfect for me ... and the start of this week, as we turn the page to
OCTOBER 2024
and I have one week (9 days) to enjoy the last days of being 69
heading into a new decade
of the 70s
(oh my)
{definitely not a day I want to celebrate}
yet fall has a way of making my heart want to sing 
May I find more 
CALM
in the autumn of my life
and the rest of 2024

[image credit: Sue Boldt]
into
BEAUTY 
in His Heart 

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

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[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

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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!

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[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."
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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]