Heart Choices: Be Thankful Day by Day -->

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Be Thankful Day by Day


My niece Kristin
As I've been counting my blessings each week, I've learned something very important.

To embrace gratitude, I need to be thankful day by day.  

My natural self wants to know the future.  I'd like a detailed plan, if you please.  Where is this road taking me?


But in hindsight, I'm glad that I didn't know in advance all that I would have to go through these past few years.  I might have been tempted to run for the hills.

Something that God has taught me through my trials is to take His hand and trust Him.  This has been so very difficult for me to do.  Yes, I know He is trustworthy.  But walking by faith when life seems so uncertain?    

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

I have that Scripture laminated and sitting right in front of me as I sit at my computer.  You see, I need to be reminded.  My emotions often get in the way of what I know to be true.  But God is teaching me through the trials and slowly ...I am learning.

As I write down my everyday blessings, I realize that God is with me through it all.  

I never thought I would have to return to the workforce after 'retiring' from my nursing career ten years ago.  But taking a job in a private school working with little children has been just what I needed during this time in my life.  I love children and was unable to have any of my own.  

God blesses me each day with LOTS of little ones.



#183 Being greeted with smiles and "Hi Miss Debbie" by many little children when I step onto the grounds of our school

#184 Children smiling and posing when they see Miss Debbie with her camera

#185 A clean and more organized place to live after Greg and I spent time this weekend working hard

#186 Enjoying many of the blog posts of those participating in the October 31 Days Series.

#187 Having fun with Pinterest (you must check this site out soon)

#188 Organizing my recipes on Pinterest.

#189 I've lost 10 pounds since I cut back on my calories.

#190 My clothes fit me better.  :)

#191 One more week until fall break

#192 My brother-in-law shared his frequent flyer miles with me and I'm going to Florida for a few days during fall break to visit my family

#193 I am so blessed with good friends.

#194 I am blessed to be working with a wonderful co-worker Heidi.

So have I convinced you to begin writing down and counting your everyday blessings?  

Will you make the choice to embrace gratitude?

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.



 Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
Debbie Petras
15 Comments
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15 comments:

  1. Once again, Debbie, your list has filled my heart with gratitude. Thanks again, for sharing!

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  2. What a wonderful list. You are an amazing woman with great insight.

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  3. love your list and heart!

    love you

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  4. Having a heart of gratitude I truly believe is one of the major keys to our happiness. We can appreciate the smallest jester of love along with the grandest! For it is the love that we are grateful for and not the gift.
    Enjoyed your posting this a.m.! BTW she is cute!

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  5. I have to smile because once again, you and I have a similar theme in our blog posts. Mine today is about not worrying or fearing because God is in control.

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  6. Yes actually you have convinced me. This is my 2nd Monday, although it's the first time I've actually linked up.

    Thank you.

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  7. What a beautiful list of appreciation! I don't expect any thing less from you beautiful friend!

    Much love!

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  8. I absolutely agree! When we focus on God's blessings (and embrase gratitude)we need to be thankful every day! When we do that, it certainly changes our perspective, doesn't it?

    Blessings, Joan

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  9. Taking God's hand and trusting Him...it's a life long journey. I love how He put children in your life, to mentor spiritually and emotionally. And 10lbs. down, way to go! Say a prayer for me in the weight loss area. Struggling to find my groove.

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  10. Children smiling and posing... that is so sweet! There are so many people doing the 31 days posts... I will never have time to read all of them! lol Pinterest is so much fun! #192... that is so kind. Have a great trip!

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  11. Hi Debbie! :)

    Thanks for sharing the link to "Pinterest"-love it! I never tire of browsing for new recipes; don't you just love Pioneer Woman? :)

    Sweet post on thankfulness; I always try to wake up in the morning and make a special effort to be thankful for that which has been given to me, but in addition, that which God has in store for my day! :)

    Blessings and hugs to you for a special week!
    Denise

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  12. I love your list of gratitude.
    What fun to be able to be with
    so many darling kids every day!
    I'm so glad you get to have a
    visit with your family soon.
    Hope you bring back some fun
    pictures to share.
    Love,
    Sandy

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  13. Dear Debbie,
    I have to thank you over and over again for sharing so openly what your walks with the Lord THROUGH the dark valley has meant to you. I always enjoy your blessing list, and I can clearly see those are true blessings.

    I also value the timely reminder: " My emotions often get in the way of what I know to be true."
    A good word spoken in right time.
    Thanks.
    From felisol

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  14. I came across your blog while browsing blogger and I couldn't have been more thankful. I've had some dreadful family news today and I really needed to be reminded to think of all the things I have to be truly thankful for.

    Cannot thank you enough for posting this up to share with everyone - especially today.

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  15. Debbie - So true - gratitude is always the best approach.

    God can bless it, people can appreciate it, and we get to enjoy it.

    Have a blessed day - Marsha

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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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