Let's Be Cleere

Words. Why are they so important? Why do they matter? What rewards or consequences do they bring? How do we choose good ones? How do we harness negative ones? What does it look like to glorify Jesus with our words?

Jesus has SO much to say about words! And what do we use every single day to communicate with those we love, those we just meet, and everyone around us? WORDS! The words we speak to others, our prayer life, our internal chatter, and the words we receive on a daily basis— all of these facets are vital for us to recognize where we invite life or death.

The power of the tongue is a game-changer in every situation, season, and struggle. What direction are you steering if your tongue is the rudder? Does it please God? We will dive deep and hopefully gain a better understanding of what it looks like to water words of life and hope.

Buckle up! I’m so excited for y’all to hear the story of some of my new favorite people and friends— Parker and Jeff Byrd.

Parker was involved in a boating accident in July of 2022 that nearly cost him his life, but he ended up having part of his right leg amputated, forever altering his baseball journey and life in general. His dad, Jeff, who is a physician, has been there every step of the journey as they have navigated the curveball nobody expected.

Expect to be challenged, deeply encouraged, and reminded that God uses everything for His glory and our good.

What does it mean to surrender?

Is it irresponsible to truly empty your hands and leave everything at God's feet? How do you surrender and what does that look like? In this episode, we will dig into the word surrender and what Jesus has to say about it. I think a lot of us are tired of carrying around what we have been carrying around but establishing a different normal feels next to impossible with all the demands we have, the obstacles we know will come, and the expectations we place on ourselves....so what do we do?

If you are yearning for a new normal, a quieter mind, or the ability to operate from a posture of rest, this episode is for you.

Just get ready— My dear friend, Megan Holland (@meganroseholland), joined me for a conversation about all the things! How do we live the life God has called us to — what does that look like? Will we always prefer the way He answers our prayers? What do we do when He doesn’t? what does it look like to commit to the deep work of holiness, especially when it’s hard?

Wherever you find yourself in life, I believe this episode is relevant for you and will encourage + challenge you greatly!

God is always speaking— sometimes, it feels like the faintest whisper, and other times, it’s as loud as a mighty roar. In this episode, we dig into 5 things God is teaching me and why I feel like they matter; though not revolutionary or complex, His constant nudges are always the way to a fruitful and faithful life.
My prayer is that as you listen, the Holy Spirit might whisper to your own heart. Does something resonate with you? Or what has He been saying to your heart— and better yet, have you been listening?
Taking inventory of His voice reminds us that He truly is everywhere and that intimate details are His specialty.

It's been a minute! I've missed y'all! Season 2 is kicking off with a mixture of interviews with some of my favorite people and then some conversations with just you and me! First up, none other than my pastor, Aaron Kennedy. He is the lead pastor of Open Door Church in Winterville, North Carolina and I have had the privilege to sit under his wisdom, guidance, and obedience for several years. We dig deep-- everything from knowing your own red flags to hearing God's voice to what it looks like to truly lead from a place of vulnerability and authenticity. Aaron is one of the most real, fun, and gracious people I know; I pray this conversation blesses you like it did me.

How do we be people of expectant hope? How do we live in a way that proves we don't just believe the miracles of Scripture but we trust that that same God is working in our everyday lives right here, right now?

And how do we live looking for miracles when we are experiencing a circumstance we never hoped for or when we live praying for things to change?

We dive into this in today's episode! We walk through FIVE practical ways to help ensure a miracle mindset and live a life that welcomes the full power and promise of the God who saved us.

Everyone, or most everyone, has good intentions, right? We WANT to live a life that is full of purpose, driven in the right direction, and expands the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet, how many times do we get to the end of our days, or even our years, and think, "Why wasn't I more intentional with my time?"

In this episode, we dive into FOUR QUESTIONS we can ask Jesus to get more intentional with our time, our resources, and our energy in every season. Realistic, relatable, and raw for right where this finds you.

Don't get to the end of 2023 wishing that once again, you had lived differently. Sit with Jesus and get intentional today because we all know, life surely will try to distract you :)

This episode is special. My husband, Will Reaves, is on the podcast and y'all- prepare yourselves. He takes us to church, seriously. He talks about his experience in the hospital, how God's presence became loud to him, and how he fights to maintain that "looking for miracles" mindset in his everyday life. 

What is your purpose? How do you know if you are living a life of purpose? Is it possible to miss out on God's purpose for your life or a specific season?

In this episode, we dig into this word "purpose" and what God says about it. The truth is, our souls were made to live a life of rich purpose and anything short of it will always leave us feeling restless. God is the "more" we are craving in every circumstance.

So how do we walk in purpose? Listen in :)

Amidst the madness of life and the going, going, going, I think it's always so healthy and helpful to take a step back and ask yourself: What is God teaching me right now? Am I listening?  And when I hear Him, do I have the faith and courage to follow?

In this episode, Cleere dives into three different things God is teaching her right now...3 things that the Holy Spirit has continually prompted and brought to her spirit...

1. How do we find order? We all crave it.

2. Are we supposed to avoid tension in our relationships? Can it truly be helpful?

3. What happens we talk about how big Goliath is? Does it help us fight?

As you listen, think about the things God is showing your spirit. Turn down the voices and get still...He is speaking.

We tend to put creating in a box...placing "creative" underneath the column of painters, photographers, artists, etc. But in reality, God created all of us to create! In this episode, we dig into the reasons why we tend to stay small, insecure, quiet, or unsure about the gifts He has given us, the space He has us, and the places He calls us to.

It's time to think outside the box. It's time to welcome back our imagination, dip into our innovative spirits, and ask Jesus to help us show up with bold creativity, not missing a single thing He has for us.

What are we anchored to? Who are we anchored to? What happens if we don't stay anchored? What is the fruit of an anchored life?

How we answer these questions determines the direction of our lives and the safety we experience the whole way there.

This podcast finds us all in a variety of circumstances and situations, doesn't it? Some of us are in seasons of parenthood, singleness, new jobs, or big transitions. Others are navigating their through a new normal they never asked for and still are praying away.

However, what we all desperately want is to live a life that is steady and peaceful, no matter what rocks our boat-- aka, to have a trusting heart. But HOW? When life is so crazy and so uncertain and often messy, how does that even happy?

In this episode, Cleere walks through the acronym of TRUST and the different steps and reminders we can activate to live a life where we really can rest and say, "It is well with my soul"--wherever life takes us.

God didn't create us or give us this life to just survive it-- we were created to THRIVE! However, so many times, we just decide that our lives "are what they are", our habits have "become what they've become", and we don't access the authority and power we have as His children to live a NEW way!

What thought patterns do you have that might need some renewal? Are you just downright exhausted and wondering how you're going to fill up your cup these days? What might need some recalibration?

In this week's episode, we dig into what renewal looks like and discover how Jesus really can bring new life to ANYTHING.

Sometimes we believe the lie that freedom is the ability to do whatever we want, go wherever we please, and have whatever we desire. However, we see that with Jesus and throughout Scripture, a life lived like this ends in destruction, anxiety, fear, shame, and confusion. The abundant life is ONLY found in trusting God, obeying Him, and believing that the boundary lines He has drawn for our lives are in pleasant, secure places. God never leads us to places that restrict our lives; rather, He protects them. His instruction is always preserving our future, regardless of how it may feel in the moment. Do we trust HIs heart? How are we using our freedom now? Is it the life we hoped for?

What defines our standard of beauty? Do we let our Instagram feed determine how fulfilled we are with what we see in the mirror? What does our God have to say about beauty? What would applying His standard alter about our lives?

Digging into these questions, we see that the more we behold the heart of our Father, the more beauty we see in ourselves, others, and the world around us. Only the Creator can define what is good and pure-- will we trust Him?

What does it mean to really be brave with our lives? Many times, we see courage as doing this really BIG thing but in reality, we make the decision, moment to moment, "Will I be brave and trust God with my life?"

What might God be asking you to be courageous about in your life right now? What would that require of you?

We will never regret trusting the safety net of the character of God.

We all want to live a life that radiates GOODNESS-- that radiates Jesus, right? But what are some practical ways that we can do that with what we have, where we are, and with what God put inside of us.

In this episode, we will dig into three ways that we can illuminate Jesus and bring Heaven to earth.

• Our testimony
• Our trials
• How we treat others

We are leaving a legacy--let's make it a worthy one.

We often spend our lives working really, really hard towards things that don't matter in the long run. Or we spend our time desiring a harvest of righteousness but not being willing to plow the field and show up to create it. Or we get discouraged by what we thought would happen, the expectations we placed on the work, or the stress that is induced by it, and we wonder: What does all of this even amount to?

In this episode, we will dig into what it means to really cultivate a life that matters and a legacy that lasts. We were always created to work and we have ALL that we need to show up and tend to the last we've been given-- it's time to recognize the space we are in, speak life over the harvest, put in the work, and trust God with all else.

We live in a fast-paced world full of constant motion, things happening, and obligations. These are EXCITING things but we often get so used to the pace of the rollercoaster, we don't realize how drained we are. We have normalized the poor boundaries in our lives and cultivated habits that lead more to our burnout than our building up.

So...what do we do? What needs to change? What does Scripture say? And is it truly possible to live from a constant place of refreshment? Well, we will dig in and I promise, it'll encourage you wherever you are, whatever you have going on, and in whatever season you find yourself navigating.

It's not super romantic to think about having to "stay" when we are ready to GO! Going is more fun, more adventurous, more impressive, right? But sometimes, it is the places we want to run from that God is most using to refine us.

As we learn to stay in His presence and learn His heart, we are reminded that we can always trust the preparation of the King. There is great promise and purpose where He has us.

And chances are, the harder it is to stay, the more He is calling us to stay in Him, depending on Him for our perseverance, endurance, and strength. We can do hard things because He is with us, in us, and watches after our way-- wherever we travel.

We all want the pretty house and the completed projects-- it feels good, looks impressive, and helps us feel good about our current state of affairs. However, our Heavenly Father is so not worried about how things appear-- His concern is the state of our hearts. How are we really doing? Is there an issue, struggle, relationship, or thought pattern that we need restoration in but we are fearful to admit to ourselves, others, or Him?

He is the King of restoration and His type of restoration is not just repairing something to be functional or improving it's condition back to it's original form; He restores beyond recognition. His lavished grace, undeserved kindness, and rich mercy meet us in our mess and transform our minds, hearts, and lives beyond our comprehension.

Let's not wait...let's allow for the deep work and trust that He really can bring life back into anything. Our hope? Oh it is here and it is rich because our Savior will settle for nothing less.

What does it mean to be rooted in Jesus? How do we cultivate deep roots so that when the storms of life come, we won't be afraid, worried, or insecure?

Being rooted is ultimately the greatest desire of our lives-- to know that no matter what, we have security and certainty in where we stand. That is what Jesus offers and His well does not run dry but there are practical steps that help us rip out the weeds, trust our God-given identity, and BELIEVE that He is for us.

When we are a rooted people, the world will want what we have and question how we got there.

Movement-- the literal act of moving our bodies-- is obviously necessary to keep us alive. Well, when it comes to moving towards God, it is also what keeps us alive! Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, etc. We can not operate in faith or receive the abundant life He has promised us if we do not move towards Him. It doesn't have to be massive steps; rather, it's often the daily, hand-to-the-plow moments that help strengthen our faith, solidify our foundation, stimulate our peace of mind, and stabilize our hearts.

You wont' want to miss this episode!

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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JOY!!!

The word alone sounds like what it means, doesn't it!? But I think sometimes we feel like joy is this elusive feeling that is unattainable for us or is dependent upon certain circumstances coming to fruition. However, the kind of joy that Jesus offers has nothing to do with our how, our what, or our when-- it has everything to do with our who. WHO are we seeking to find our joy?

We will dig into some crucial, practical ways that will help us not just walk in joy but LEAP for joy! Kingdom joy-- it's something different.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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We talk about prayer, we pray before we eat, and we hear about prayer. But do we really believe that God hears us? And if He does, does He care? Is He really for our lives? In this episode we dig into the truth, power, and supernatural perspective that prayer provides. It really is our lifeline.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

Available on Amazon and cleerelystated.com:

"Let go and let God." We know the phrase and we even understand the power of it, but often the reality of our lives and the hardness of our habits meets us on the other side and we don't quite know what to do with it. And what do we let go? And when? And when we do let go, how do we know we will be okay? What if what God is asking us to release is keeping us temporarily secure, even if it's unhealthy? What if we let others down as we let go of what our Father asks of us? Release--- we will dig into this word and our doubts, hesitancies, and fears with letting go. Because when we do release-- when we truly surrender something to the Father's hands, our lives will always be richer, greater, and better on the other side of it.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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Do you feel like you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off at all moments? Physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually lacking.

Or maybe you feel like you need to get a little pep in your step and you're struggling with gaining the momentum or motivation to take a step forward?

As we dig into this word "pace", we see that we were never supposed to let the world, others, or ourselves determine our rate. We have the Holy Spirit and as we walk in-step with Him, we learn that He is our pacer, ensuring our success and helping us every moment of the way.

The pace of grace allows us to enjoy the view, trust the One who is leading us, and experience lasting peace no matter how hard the journey gets.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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How often do you really allow silence to be the background? I mean, true silence. Not the kind where we are sorting through a mental checklist while music plays in the background but the kind that can feel deafening and uncomfortable. The truth about silence is that it often strips of any language and distraction and forces us to realize our own need-- Where are we really at? What is God saying?

Silence allows us to dig past what is on the surface and allows the Holy Spirit to deal with what the inside looks like. All throughout Scripture, Jesus took the time to find silence, knowing that if He wanted to really hear His Heavenly Father, He was going to have to be intentional and disciplined about making room. Do we make space?

This episode digs into the benefits and importance of making silence our background so that we can live with a soul that is settled in knowing He is God and we are not.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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I don’t think many of us would walk around claiming that we aren’t living “honest lives.” But do we really understand what that means? Jesus defines honesty way differently than we do- what does He have to say? And if we truly believe that His way is best, what keeps us from doing so? In this episode, we will dig deep into several things that prevent us from honesty and several ways we can begin to practice our Heavenly Father’s definition of this word.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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It's the story of our lives: We all fear that what we have is too little. It's not enough to truly make a difference, right? However, we see that all throughout scripture, amidst the stories of the Bible, and in our everyday experiences, it is our LITTLE + God's supernatural power that makes A LOT of difference.

And what about those little sins that we let fester, slowly letting them suck the life out of our garden? We often don't realize how these little things build and slowly become the wall that keeps us from getting to where God has asked us to go or be the people God has asked us to be.

Trust Him with your little. Dig deep-- what's your next right thing? How can you show up in little ways each day?

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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When it comes to everything in our lives, timing is always related. When will it happen? Am I behind in life? Should I go after this goal now? Am I ready to handle that particular thing? Why isn't my prayer getting answered right now?

Digging into what Scripture tells us about the timing of God, we are reminded of the treasures of trusting in His timing. We will grab the plow together in this episode and get to work because the reality is-- we all struggle with this sometimes, right? But if we can begin to really anchor ourselves in the consistency of His character and know that He is always, always, always on time? We can get busy living and let Him decide on the when :) 

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will Transform Your life" devotional that goes along with this podcast! Sources below:

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We all have this gap between our actual selves and our ideal selves-- the gap that we work, strive, and exhaust ourselves trying to close on our own. We tend to fall prey to the lies that if we had more _____, we would experience fulfillment. When we arrive on the mountaintop, THEN we will partner with God and get courageous about where He is calling us, right?!

However, we see it in Scripture and all throughout our lives that God isn't interested in the person that we wish that we were; He is interested in our actual, real, authentic, broken, imperfect but made-by-Him selves. That is some GOOD NEWS.

Don't wait to arrive! Now, here, in this moment-- it's time to begin.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will transform your life" Devotional to follow along with this podcast!

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What does it mean to really seek God? In our distracted and self-focused culture, sometimes we confuse desiring a solution with seeking God. As we lean in and learn His heart, we realize that we can trust His ways. The details of our lives may remain a mystery for now but the presence of the One leading us? He is absolute.

What we seek, we find. And as we seek Him, we find everything else. He orders our priorities, establishes our steps, and guides us in the way everlasting.

What does your life say about how you view God and His sovereignty? Does your prayer life suggest that you really believe He is who He says He is?

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will transform your life" Devotional to follow along with this podcast!

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A new year brings renewed desire to set goals and establish better habits. But what if the secret is not found in our goals and is based on the rhythms we set for our lives? Are your current rhythms aligned with the person you hope to be and the legacy you hope to leave? If not, why? As we dig into this word, we will set up some helpful boundaries, questions, and tools to equip us to build a foundation that propels us forward and allows us to run hard after Jesus.

We were never created to run at breakneck speed or operate with unrealistic expectations setting our course; As we seek His desire for our lives and lean into what Scripture has to say, we will get honest about what we need to let go and get real about what He wants us to pick up.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will transform your life" Devotional to follow along with this podcast!

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How often do we let the roadblocks of offense, bitterness, and shame get in our way? Jesus tells us time and time again that forgiveness is not an option; it is a command. A necessity. It is the only way to usher in freedom— to walk in the very forgiveness we have been offered and to freely give it to others. Digging into this topic, we will talk through several practical ways we can practice forgiveness in our everyday lives.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will transform your life" Devotional to follow along with this podcast!

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Sounds dramatic to say that we are the ones who decide whether we walk in life or death but Scripture tells us time and time again— we get to choose: Will we experience life and trust God or will we invite death by reaching for control? In our daily actions, reactions, and everyday happenings, we are constantly deciding whether we invite life or death. It is easy to see how big, significant decisions are important but we fail to remember that these big decisions are often made through the foundation of a million little decisions. Who are we on a consistent basis? As we tap into this discussion, we study about the beginning story of Adam and Eve and what we can learn from the decisions that they made. Going into 2021, there is so much freedom and possibility. Let’s choose to look for. lean into, and trust the leadership of God.

Buy the "Focus: How One Word a Week will transform your life" Devotional to follow along with this podcast!

Available on Amazon and cleerelystated.com: