Heart Choices: Under the Weather -->

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Under the Weather


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I've not been feeling well lately; a bit under the weather.  I guess working with little children who forget to cover their coughs plays a part in it.  And then there's springtime in the Phoenix valley with all the orange trees in bloom.  One year I actually broke out in hives after spending too much time walking among the citrus trees.

I hope to be back at work tomorrow.  But in the meantime, I am focusing on those everyday moments and gifts from God.

My good friend Jamie from San Antonio was visiting family in town this past week.  She took the time to drive to Rancho Solano Private School to see me.  I was so excited that she had all four daughters with her too.  When they pulled up in their rental car, out burst Ellie with her arms wide open to hug me.  I could have cried.  I had forgotten my camera but here's a photo of Ellie from last year.

Her birthday was the following day; April 1st and she turned 13 years old.  I met Ellie when she was in my Bible Study Fellowship children's class and she was only three years old.  In fact, that's how I met her mom Jamie.  We became fast friends and continue to stay in touch even after they moved away from Phoenix several years ago.

Ellie has grown into such a wonderful godly woman.  She is still going to BSF studying Isaiah this year.  She shared one of the Bible stories that touched her in this study and my heart was warmed once again.

#26 The gift of seeing a child grow into a teenager and still in love with the Lord

#27 Smiles and hugs from Jamie, Ellie, Marybeth, Karli and Rachael.

The children at Rancho are used to Miss Debbie having her camera handy.  And they also know I love any unique shoes.  Elle was so proud that she could model her fabulous new sneakers for me to photograph.

#28  Children eager to pose for photos, even if it's only their shoes

Every day I thank the Lord for providing me with this job.  I often look out at their faces and pray silently for each one of them.
I know God loves each one of them.  And I'm so thankful for the love He gives to me to share.

#29  The sight of the children each morning as they greet Miss Debbie

I had to laugh.  On Friday I lost my voice; laryngitis.  It was April 1st (April Fool's Day).  When Heidi told the three year olds that Miss Debbie lost her voice, they didn't quite understand.  She explained it to them.  But later that morning, little Rachel smiled and said to me "The birds took Miss Debbie's voice; April Fool's Day".  Of course, the others had to get into the fun of this and had their own opinions of who took my voice.

But then Dax looked up at me with that innocent face and said "No, Miss Debbie's voice is still inside.  It just can't come out."  Out of the mouths of babes!

I was glad to have Surya's very booming voice in my first grade after school class.  He became my spokesperson for the afternoon.  Of course, he loved it.

#30  An appreciation for having a voice to speak.  It is back now and I don't want to lose it again. :)

During the past three days of resting, I've had more time to read and pray.  Standing on the Promises is a song that brings me much comfort.  Even though I cannot sing it aloud YET, I love many of the old hymns.

#31  Memories of old hymns sung in church

Despite feeling a bit under the weather, I'm thankful for the time of rest as I sip my hot cup of tea.  I'm participating in Multitudes on Monday ~ One Thousand Gifts with Ann of A Holy Experience.




Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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17 comments:

  1. I found your blog from A Holy Experience :) I love your list and I hope you are feeling better soon!
    Joanne xo

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  2. So sorry you have been under the weather. No fun!

    Oh, I love the old hymns too and grew up on them. My, how times have changed. :o)

    Hope you are on the up and up very soon!

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  3. Oh Debbie - I'm so sorry you haven't been feeling well. I just said a prayer for you. I am grateful though, that you got to spend a little extra time in The Word and such. I hope you go back to work feeling energized and refreshed and filled to the brim!

    Thank you for stopping by my blog today :) I always love it when you do!

    Have a good, peace-filled rest of the week!

    Hugs,
    Kate :)

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  4. Hope you are well soon, sweet friend. Love you ~

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  5. I hope you're feeling better Debbie! Even though you weren't
    100%, it sure sounds like you had a great week, with your friends and with the children.

    I smile every time you describe the love those kids are sharing with you, right from their hearts! Once again it reminds me... no wonder Jesus loves the children.

    Take care of yourself, keep drinking hot tea with lemon juice. Wish I could bring you some chicken soup! :)

    Love you!

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  6. Oh Debbie, I feels like I haven't "talked" to you in ages, and now when I finally check in you aren't feeling well! I'm sorry to hear that. That's one of the unheralded "joys" of working with little ones though. I hope you recover quickly.

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  7. Debbie, I hope you are feeling much better by now!!!

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  8. Visiting friends to drop a prayer and I'm glad I came. Praying for a quick recovery and may the Lord boost your immunity sister. My allergy is bothering me, too.

    I love it when kids talk. That was funny and precious! And I'm glad that your friend got to visit you, to bring sunshine!

    God bless you sister. May you remain strong in the Lord's mighty power. Love to you.

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  9. Hope you are well today, friend.

    That is so cute that your kiddos know you will have your camera. What a fun thing for them!

    God bless you this week!
    Bethany

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  10. Dear Debbie,
    Even when you are "under the weather", it's a feast to visit your blog.
    You counting your blessing is contagious, I find my self counting mine, sitting nodding and smiling to your clever observations.
    How great for your kids to be seen by Miss Debbie.
    First price to the boy who said,"No, Miss Debbie's voice is still inside. It just can't come out."

    How sensitive and wise little children are.

    Else I agree with you, I love the old hymns.
    From felisol

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  11. Oh, I pray that you are much better this afternoon! Your sweet, persevering spirit is always a blessing...thank you for sharing your life with us!
    Blessings and ((HUGS)) ~ Jess

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  12. So sorry you are sick...my five year old is coughing around here, so I can imagine a room full of little ones.

    I am so blessed to see how God continues to bring people by to see you and encourage you. Glad you had such a wonderful visit from your friends from Texas.

    Your list is precious and comes from a very thankful heart.
    Blessings as your return to all those little ones.

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  13. Hope you are feeling better soon. I loved your gratitude list. Especially this one - #26 The gift of seeing a child grow into a teenager and still in love with the Lord. I have raised four teenagers, and this really touched my heart.

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  14. What sweet comments from the little ones, better than the best medicine.
    I know how much you enjoyed seeing Jamie and the children, what wonderful blessings you have.....God is good.
    Hope you feel better this week.
    Love you,

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  15. Debbie - those pink tennies are just too cool for school. :)

    Feel better soon - Marsha

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  16. What a nice visit you had with friends...now get better soon!

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  17. I have visited many blogs today of those who aren't feel well. Praying you feel better soon. It's so great to be able to give thanks even when our bodies don't line up!

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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