Heart Choices: Thankful Thursday ~ Love -->

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Thankful Thursday ~ Love



It's Thankful Thursday and Iris of Grace Alone is our host for the month of February. Iris is the originator of this meme and might I add a wonderful friend to me. Love you Iris!

I'm so thankful for God's love towards me. Without the precious gift of His Son Jesus, I don't know how I could go on some days. But as I have a personal relationship with Him, I know I am never alone. And I know that I know ...I am loved.

The Bible tells me so and I believe it.

As I've been in a prolonged season of trials, I've been so encouraged and loved by others. I'm so thankful for the blessings I received this past week. It was my 57th birthday on February 1st. I thought I would just forget this one but:

  • My friend Terri took me to Postinos for lunch. It's one of my favorites.
  • My friend Helen stopped by with beautiful tulips and drove me around town to do errands and split the most delicious panini at Bertha's Cafe (another Phoenix favorite of mine).
  • Greg's mom and sister Amy got me a gift certificate to get my hair cut and highlighted at Mane Attraction. I haven't had this done in quite some time. I got the haircut but have an appointment later today for a few highlights. Heather did such a great job too. There's nothing like this indulgence to make a gal happy. :)
  • My friend Pauline called me and sent me the most beautiful card. She lives in Clearwater, Florida and we worked together as nurses years ago. She hadn't heard from me lately and called to check in and wish me a happy birthday.
  • A dear friend and my former Bible Study Fellowship teaching leader stopped by my house to give me a hug and special birthday greetings.
  • My friend Sue who is always there to share a word of encourgement and love.
  • Anna May is another godly friend who calls me and loves me. Her hubby Jack even asked her the other day to be sure to call Debbie. Thanks Jack!
  • My small group Bible study who has blessed me in so many ways with their love and prayers.
  • Pastor Dan who calls me and prays with me at times.
  • I'm thankful that a new friend has been attending church with me lately and is now bringing her 2 and 3 year old daughters. How thankful I was when we picked them up after church and found them smiling and happy.
  • Peggy of Amazing Grace who has taken the time to share Scripture verses and special songs that have touched my heart. You're awesome.
  • A blogging friend who gifted me with an amazon card and I was able to purchase Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of God". I can now participate in the meme on Jill's blog Forever N Ever N Always beginning March 1.
  • My realtor's assistant Judy who gave me the book "Then Sings My Soul" which contains 150 of the world's greatest hymn stories. It's amazing to read the stories behind the hymns.
  • The love of my family and husband.

I kow I'm missing many thanks to others but since it's after midnight, I am tired and need to go back to bed. But in the midst of the storm, I want to be praising God. He is in control and nothing happens that surprises Him. He is teaching me valuable lessons in the storm and I'm so thankful for His love.

Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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25 comments:

  1. You are so loved! He has showered you with tremendous blessings. Happy belated birthday!

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  2. I love you sis, praying that you will continue to be sweetly blessed.

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  3. Happy belated birthday, dear Debbie,
    Counting one's blessing sure is the best remedy.
    Be blessed.
    From Felisol

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  4. So glad you had such an awesome birthday. This is a great post. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, SusanD

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  5. You are loved indeed ... all the way to Hong Kong and on to Heaven!
    Your faithfulness and obedient praise (even in the storm) brings me such rich blessings!
    Happy Birthday Debbie!
    Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
    Kim

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  6. You are one very loved lady!!!!

    I'm so glad you had so many birthday blessings!! Happy Belated Bday - by the way!!!

    Please know, that I am praying for you :)

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Debbie!!!

    Hugs,
    Kate :)

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  7. GOOD friends are definitely one of life's best blessings, and you are soo blessed!! I am so glad you have had all of them to be the hands and feet of the Lord as you go through your trials. Hope you have a wonderful day. Hugs, Debbie

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  8. You inspire me, my precious sister. I praise Him today with you for all your list. What a faithful God we serve and i love your thankful heart.

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  9. You are so loved. I can see it in your blessings. Carol

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  10. I love the cartoon. It's such a great reminder that when we do something for someone, we do it for Jesus. I'm glad you had a blessed birthday!

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  11. Blessings precious Debbie & a happy belated birthday,
    Once more such wonderful love showered around you! I'm inspired as I'm reading your beautiful thankful heart and then you hit me, tears start to flow...from your love. You mentioned me again...good thing that I was almost to the end or I would have missed all the rest with my now clouded vision. I love your beginning (so true) and all the way to the end, inspite of the heavy trials, you have fought to stay above it all, love & be loved.

    It is a Heart choice to LOVE,but you deserve all this love and more.
    That's why Our LORD and His amazing love keeps reminding you with friends. I'm so glad your real friends and family made sure that you celebrated your special day in
    many ways...sounds like so many blessings. Your thankful heart shows me that you trust much more than you know or claim.

    You are too sweet! Thank you for blessing me again. Tears cleanse the soul but ones from the love of a friend move the soul & spirit to be thankful too! Love you,& wishing you a happy Valentine's this weekend. But you've already poured out your love for your BELOVED LORD
    here. Thanks Debbie! (((hugs)))

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  12. Sending you love today.

    :)

    Thankful to know you have people in your life that know how to love. Glad you got a haircut. I need one soon.

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  13. Thank you for the phone call and for your kind words on this blog. It is wonderful to hear about all of the people who have blessed you in a special way. You are such a blessing to each one of us.
    Sue

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  14. What a wonderful post!! Thank you for sharing.

    Love, Ev

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  15. Hi Debbie! Thanks so much for your comment on my blog about my interview with Scott MacIntyre. He really does seem like a remarkable young man and a genuine Christian.

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  16. debbie, belated happy birthday! i missed it. may God bless you with His overflowing blessings and favors. you are very much loved, debbie. (((HUGS)))

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  17. I pray that your Birthday was as special as you are dear sister. Thank you for sharing your "thank you's" and your tender heart with us. You are a beautiful GIFT to us from the LORD and I am thankful.

    I love you.

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  18. God is blessing you so much in this season of trials. I am so touched that even in the middle of it all you can remember to be thankful for all God has put in your path. You are a special person.

    Blessings
    Anna May

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  19. And thankful for you dear one! You will love Praying the Names oF God, it sits on my shelf with honor after carrying it to a few nations.

    And friend, I didn't know you needed the Father's Love letter. I desperately have needed it and just wanted to share it with everyone. I listen to it everyday.

    Love you,
    Sara

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  20. Debbie,
    Happy belated birthday! Isn't it wonderful to have such loving, caring friends? I'm so glad some extra love came your way on your birthday!

    That's a great cartoon you shared, and its message is so true...putting action to our words is how we bless others. :-)

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  21. Debbie, this is so beautiful! God has revealed His love for you through the hands of feet of those who love you, too.

    Praying for you this next week especially. I know you have a full plate.

    You are loved.

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  22. I'm really happy to see you surrounded by signs of love for your birthday. Happy Birthday, even if I'm late!

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  23. Belated Happy Birthday Debbie, you truly are such a huge blessing to many others.

    Erika

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  24. Such wonderful showers of blessings fall upon you through your many dear friends and family :o)
    (Reading this only now, so Happy belated birthday, sweet soul!)

    Blessings & Aloha!

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