Purposeful

 

...a foto i shot the other day of a little section of this beautiful antique piece that currently sits among my "winter" garden...{some kim klassen textures added during editing}

while most of the flowers have begun going to sleep for the winter, there is a large patch of my pink verbena [and a few other flowering specimens] that have refused to succumb to winter's mandate that it's time to rest...{they must be part human!}

...as i processed this shot, i was thinking about what specific prayers, if they were to be answered, would have the greatest impact?

peace in our hearts?

peace in our world?

if i stopped to think long and hard enough, and if you believed in the power of prayer, like me, on any given day i could come up with a long list of prayers for me, for my family, for my friends, for the world, for....

 
 ...i wish i spent more time in prayer...but like anything, it is a discipline...a purposeful choice...

...one prayer i would like to mention is for Suz and her family. i don't know her well at all, but have followed her blog {katsuijewelry} for some time. when i read that her husband was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it has been on my heart ever since...

...her posts on this subject are so beautifully written...i know that sounds odd given the seriousness of the subject...but it's how i felt each time i would read her latest post...as tears fell from my eyes...

like any of us would in a similar situation, i'm sure she covets as many prayers as we can offer up...

 
...once again i find myself trying to catch up in blogland...to respond to emails...edit the million pics i've taken with some new camera equipment...haven't even started anything that remotely resembles "Christmas"...hopefully by this weekend i'll knock some of those want-to-do's off my list...

...been in a very reflective mood lately...it wasn't but a week or two ago that i snapped this picture of the pond behind our home...and seemingly overnight, the scene has changed dramatically--the colored leaves are no more...

...i'm so glad i took the time to enjoy that lovely view despite all the other cares of the world that seem to press in and want a piece of my time...

...come to think of it, that's eerily similar to what happens to my good intentions of wanting to spend more time in prayer...

 
...here's to more purposeful living....and to answered prayer...and may we have peace in our hearts even when the answer is "no"..."maybe"...or "wait some more"...

xo, sue

Comments

[Jill]

Sue, I will certainly pray for Suz. As far as spending time in prayer...I used to have a very devoted prayer life then sick kids...then the computer...this post of Sues here: http://chiccottagejunk.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-devotions-are-in-wrong-place.html#comments
made me uncomfortable and really got me back on the right track. Now, I spend time with the scriptures and prayer before turning to the computer and it is so much better. Not telling you what to do because I have NO idea what He would be asking you, just sharing.

[Deb]

Your photos are spectacular Sue ♥ What a gorgeous post!

I came downstairs with my cup of coffee this morning, and I was thinking of you. There is just the tiniest hint out my window that the sun will soon be rising on this day. And, like you, I often am reflective. It is good to take the time to think of all that is going on in our lives and around us. I count you among my blessings. I can visit you with a click of my mouse, and you always have a bright light on for me.

I will visit Suz. My heart drooped just reading those words. I pray daily for a cure for all cancers. There are so many wonderful and brilliant people that are dedicating their lives to this extreme cause. For now, we will join our hands and hearts in love and support.

[Cherie Wilson]

Hello there dear one:) Thankyou for your thoughtful post. I didn't know about Suz and I am so glad you shared this. She truely is a special lady. All of your post reminds me to be grateful and just as I posted a few minutes ago..........Christmas will come no matter what! No matter if we pray little or lots.........and a host of other things we "want" to do better. Christmas will come. So grateful for that! You have yourself a merry little hug from me, won't you???!!

[Linda Richter]

What a beautiful post! And, I have been praying for Suz and her dear husband. How wonderful of you to post about it here....I know she will treasure that.

I've missed you on Pink Saturday. Come back and play with us. Our theme this week is favorite holiday movies.

I had a sweet visit back from Suz. They remain in my prayers.

[Katsui Jewelry]

oh, my...i a, overcome. thank you! i am going to get a little teary here.
big hugs,
Suz

[~*~Patty]

glad I waited for a peaceful moment to come and visit ... a chance to contemplate each word and lovely image ... Suz and Jud and Kat continue to be in my thoughts and prayers...so beautiful what you've shared here with us dear Sue

there is beauty and power in prayer...thank you for touching my heart and for all of your sweet messages on my Magpie's Nest too
oxoxo

[Lynn]

Such a beautiful heartfelt post Sue, I have missed your blog, you always manage to inspire me :)
Like you I am trying to find time to be more reflective, live in the moment and in gratitude. I feel I am pulled in all directions lately.