We are closing out the month of September and the end of the year is creeping closer and closer. 2025 has been a difficult year for many of our friends, our country and the world. Violence, war, illness, broken dreams, hurting family and friends.
My husband and I had several downs this year. We had to make hard decisions and change plans. It all makes me tired and sad, but I do not give up. We cannot give up.
We can see all the injustice going on around us, we can get scared and feel like what can little me do?
What I have learned this year as we have gone through a difficult season, is that I just have to keep doing the best I can each day.
Smile.
Give a surprise bouquet to a friend and neighbor.
Bake cookies for a friend going through a hard time.
Send a surprise package in the mail.
Listen... just listen.
And pray.
I found the below dialogue from St. Catherine of Siena comforting and I wanted to share it as we all continue to do the best we can.
You must not break away from holy prayer for any reason except obedience or charity.
For often during the time scheduled for prayer the devil comes with all sorts of struggles and annoyances - even more than when you are not at prayer. He does this to make you weary of holy prayer. Often he will say: "This sort of prayer is worthless to you. You should not think about or pay attention to anything except vocal prayer." He makes it seem this way so that you will become weary and confused and abandon the exercise of prayer.
But prayer is a weapon with which you can defend yourself against every enemy. If you hold it with love's hand and the arm of free choice, this weapon, with the light of most holy faith, will be your defense.
Carla, this is such a lovely and inspiring post. 💖
ReplyDeleteLovely prayer! Thanks for sharing. Pray is a weapon with which we can defend ourselves against the enemy. I'm sorry this year has been hard for you. I, too, know many who have had to make hard decisions in good faith that things would work out. I pray that the remainder of the year is full of love and you sense God's peace and presence in everything that you do :).
ReplyDeletePrayer - yes! I need to look up St. Catherine of Siena. I am not familiar with her.
ReplyDeleteI love the prayer and have not heard it before. Yesterday a family who were missionaries in India for over 20 years spoke in our church. They talked at length about the power of prayer and how they have seen so much happen as a result. It inspired me to pray more diligently. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMorning Carla. We must wake up every single day and put on the whole amour of God. You are right...so many challenges this year for so many people. Thankful that we do have prayer and learning to never cease in our prayers changes things. Thank you for this important post today...hugs.
ReplyDeleteLove this prayer. You know Carla it is so hard when you are going through something but when you get on the other side of it you realize it was for the best and meant to be. Terry and I have been down a few roads in the past few years and it was sad while going through it but then we found out things were better than we thought on the other side. I hope you are feeling that too. Have a wonderful new week. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThose downs in life are just part of living and while no one likes them, God always uses them for His glory, even if we don’t see it. He orchestrates every detail of our lives, He knows the good and the bad decisions we will make before they have even crossed our paths. And when times get hard, He’s there to embrace us and hold our hand through the pain and sadness.
ReplyDeleteLovely post from your heart, Carla. I thank God for you!
Yes. We can not give up cuz this too shall pass. We need to keep fighting to the good fight and have faith that it WILL work out.
ReplyDeleteCarla, your post hit home for me this morning. Saint Catherine of Siena is one of my beloved Saints. There is a movie about her that is very special. These stained glass windows are beautiful. Thank you for sharing this prayer. It is a must in my life to say prayers, boldly, and even if they are whispered throughout the day. I'm sorry you had struggles this year, Carla, and I hope that the autumn and winter seasons bring you more peace and clarity.
ReplyDeletelove you, my dear.
~Sheri
It is awful what has been going on in the world. Sending love and hugs. You are right, we can't give up. Beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteWise words about prayer. God bless you.
"Listen... just listen. And pray." Indeed. I'm sorry to hear that you're having a difficult year, and it does seem like so many friends, family, and neighbors are going through things. The country and world are having issues, too. Like you, I keep trying to be optimistic. Hang in there, and thanks for sharing the St. Catherine of Siena wisdom.
ReplyDeleteThe stained glass is gorgeous! And I like the quote really well!! I had not heard of this saint. I am so sorry you have been going through a hard time!
ReplyDeleteThese words ring so true my friend. Love the stained glass and the statue. Just beautiful! Janice
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBe kind, so simple -but we should all be doing just that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing St. Catherine of Siena’s beautiful advice, Carla, and for you doing your part of doing the best you can each day, like St. Therese. Have a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you share your kindness, Carla. Thank you for sharing these lovely words, too...xo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Carla.
ReplyDeleteHi Carla, a beautiful post. Thanks for checking up on me. I'm sorry that 2025 brought you and your husband downs. I know that you have a strong faith.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had time to blog or visit much lately but I can agree with St Catherine of Sienna about the importance to keep on praying. I try to pray one and a half hours each morning. So I have to get up early to make time for prayer and sometimes it's a struggle to get out of bed to kneel in prayer.
I wish you a peaceful October.
Hugs, Julia
Prayer is a powerful weapon against the enemy for sure.