Tuesday, December 24, 2013

50 States of Pray: From Washington State

Discovered Mark Koopmans's blog hop rather late, but really loved the idea of offering a prayer, a hope, a reflection on the past or hope for the future the night before Christmas.


It's Christmas Eve and my thoughts are of the hope raised this evening as people around the world lit candles in their homes and churches to celebrate the light brought into the world with the birth of Jesus Christ. Hope in the darkness, for all who believe and peace, unbelievable peace. And everywhere there was that old, familiar song . . . 

Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child


Holy infant so, tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

It's just the two of us this Christmas, my husband and me. Our children and grandchildren live far away. We could have solved this dilemma with a plane ticket and messy weather, but we are trying to make a life here. After all, we started out just the two of us and did fine once. But beyond trying to finish a novel (and I am bound and determined to finish), I find I am seeking a purpose for staying where we live, and a reason for not relocating closer to family.

My prayer would be for confirmation we are where we should be and direction if we are not. I need a map, please! Is it not a prayer we all could benefit from? Life is so short, but rich with potential.

My best wishes to everyone as we approach another year together. This blog community has been incredible. It just gets better all the time!





Copyright 2013 © Sharon Himsl




Sharon M. Himsl

Writer/Author. Blogging since 2011. 
Published with Evernight Teen: 
~~The Shells of Mersing

24 comments:

  1. Hi Sharon .. good to see you here ... I do hope the path comes along - it usually does .. so have a peaceful Christmas and festive season ... while I'm sure the blessings of life will allow you to feel settled along the way ... enjoy your journey though and then finishing that novel .. Happy Christmas - Hilary

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    1. Was late signing up but have enjoyed reading many posts today. Good to see you too. I know the ground of indecision will firm up eventually. Thanks. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Best wishes for the coming year!

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  2. Sitting here in a loud house, I'm not so sure solitude would be a bad thing! It's always hard when you're away from family. It's a good time for you and your husband to be together, though. I'll pray for you to know where you should be and the peace you need in being there now.

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    1. Oh, I can just hear it, the sounds of laughter, children running into the kitchen. We watched a video of our grandson at age 4 today. What a cutie he was then. But we are enjoying our day alone together. I am blessed with a patient, understanding husband with a great sense of humor. Thanks. Merry Christmas.

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  3. Merry Christmas. The food is cooking and I have time for myself and blog hopping. Prayers and good thoughts are sent your way.

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    1. I have ham in the oven and it smells so good. Thanks for visiting, Mildren. Very nice to meet you. I appreciate your prayers and thoughts!

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  4. As you say, we all need direction. Whether we listen to the advice is a while 'nuther thing. I hope you listen closely and find the solace that you need. :)

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  5. Thanks. It's a process, I guess, but we DO need to listen to that inner voice. Thanks too for the follow. Happy New Year!

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  6. Sharon, thanks for stopping by. A wonderful season to you and yours. I hope you've been enjoying peace, quiet, calm weather, and all good things.

    xoRobyn

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    1. Thanks and all the best to you, too. Happy New Year.

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  7. Hi Sharon - visiting from England on the bloghop - hope you get a sign to let you know if you're on the right track :)
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

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  8. Thanks, Suzanne. Glad you could stop by and nice to meet you :)

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  9. That's a lovely wish for everyone. We all need some direction at some point in our lives.

    Hope you have a great New Year!

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  10. Hi Miranda. Thanks for stopping by. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year in the coming months.

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  11. Lord,

    You are our guidance and our shepherd. I ask that you please guide Sharon and help her to see her purpose in Your Great Plan.

    Bless her in this coming year.

    In Jesus's name I pray.

    Amen.

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    1. Misha, thank you so much for this special prayer! Happy you are a new follower, too :)

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  12. It's never easy to be sure we are where are supposed to be but I do believe that the answer makes itself known one day at a time. I wish you all the best in the year ahead. Keep writing. Keep trusting. Happy New Year.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth, and for the encouragement! All the best.

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  13. Thank you so much for this-from a fellow Washingtonian. Our state needs all the prayer we can get!

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    1. Hello, fellow Washingtonian :) You are so right about our state but I do love it, and so many don't realize how different it is on the west and east sides. Happy to see you as a new follower. Happy New Year!

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  14. I hope you had a special Christmas with just your husband and that you didn't miss your children and grandchildren TOO much! And I pray that God gives you confirmation of where you're meant to be :-)

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    1. Thank you, we did actually, and for your encouragement. Blessings to you and those you love in the coming year!

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  15. I know I could use a map from time to time! Best of the season to you!

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  16. Hi MJ. So true, isn't it. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for New Year!

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You could call me an eternal optimist, but I'm really just a dreamer. l believe in dream fulfillment, because 'sometimes' dreams come true. This is a blog about my journey as a writer and things that inspire and motivate me.