Heart Choices: What is Contentment? -->

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What is Contentment?


It's "In Other Words Tuesday" and Loni of Writing Canvas is hosting this week.  Loni chose the following quote for us to write about today:

"Being content does not mean we are satisfied.  In fact, to be content is to know we will always be groaning on this side of eternity.  Yet when we believe that fullness will come, that there is more than this life, we live with contentment."
Lisa Graham McMinn, The Contented Soul
Found in devotional, Mornings with Jesus

What does contentment look like to you?  I had to laugh at the little girl and the kitty in the photo.  No worries; just pure contentment.

But life isn't quite so simple.  There are always new challenges to face, opposition to deal with and the uncertainties of tomorrow.

As a Christian, I live by faith and not by sight.  

I used to live in my dream home.  A house situated in an exclusive area of town backed up to a mountain I could easily climb each  morning.  Every piece of furniture was specifically designed to my specifications.  It almost seemed perfect; all that I had dreamed of for years.  I was satisfied with the finished product.

But life happens and changes occur.  We had to sell our dream home.

For the last two years, my husband and I have lived in a temporary house.  That was such a disappointment for me.  All of the furnishings I had taken so much time to make perfect ...were suddenly gone.

It was a reminder to me that this isn't my real home.  I'm just passing through.  There will be disappointments.  There will be let downs.  So I can't expect it to be a place of perfection.  There's a quiet knowing within me that there's more to come.

I long for my heavenly home.

But what do I do in the meantime?  I remember that God is my dwelling place.  No home, no matter how beautifully designed and decorated, is permanent.
  • I learn to rest in Him.  
  • I learn to live each day depending on His strength.  
  • I learn to take life one moment at a time.
  • I learn to count my every day blessings.  
  • I learn to love with His love.
My husband and I will be moving in the next month.  How thankful I am for a place closer in to town and work.  We were able to buy back some of our furnishings.  The new place is very small and old.  It is not in an exclusive area of town nor is it backed up by a mountain.

But I am content.  God is my dwelling place.

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14: 1-3 (NIV)



Blessings and love,



Photo Credit: Mind Readers Dictionary
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Debbie Petras
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20 comments:

  1. Good morning sister Debbie. You had me at the word "contentment"...I am glad to hear that you are moving in to a new place. But what's certain, no matter where we go, when our hearts are filled with Him, that's what's going to count the most! God bless you and protect you always.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just know you can hear me cheering LOUDLY over here in Texas! GOOD FOR YOU Debbie... your contentment is spreading it's wings all over your life, and mine!! :)

    Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debbie,

    You are one of the "wealthiest" ladies I have come to know by the "intangible" things you give in your life; like being kind to others, doing good deeds, and blessing the lives of children daily! :) You are investing and storing treasures in Heaven (our real home) by the gifts you share, and only these treasures can last for eternity!

    Blessings and sweet contentment!
    Denise

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  4. It's such a good condition to evaluate constantly. Whenever I'm disconcerted I am reminded that my contentment-quotient is dipping.

    You're such a good example, Debbie. We are blessed & God in honored.

    Content to call you "beloved friend"!

    ReplyDelete
  5. As you know, I've had a similar thing happen with the loss of our home 4 years ago. If I'm not careful, my mind drifts back and longs for some of the "things" I had. However, you are so right with your perspective! The things of eternal value cannot be purchased...they cannot be owned. God is our dwelling place! In Him I am content! Blessings Debbie! I'm so glad you two are able to be in a new place closer to your work! What a blessing -- God always provides!

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  6. Amen from another Texas girl...we are cheering you on and so happy for you! Contentment starts to take a whole new form.
    Blessings and enjoy, enjoy, as God continues to reveal Himself to you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a great quote (I really need to get that book; have it bookmarked :))...

    Your post is powerful and a testimony to His strength. I know you have been struggling with the move. I am so thrilled to read that you are moving closer to town, my sweet friend. Maybe we soon get together for lunch?!?

    Thank you for sharing your heart and for you honesty.

    Love & peace,
    <>< Iris

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your heart is spread wide open for all of us to see it's beauty...God has done a mighty work in you and we are reaping the blessing of your wisdom..

    This is a beautiful testimony to God's faithfulness to complete what He has started in us...You are an inspiration and encouragement every time I visit with you....

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a testimony Debbie, it is only by God's grace that any of us are not in your same position and I know that it could all suddenly be taken away. But, knowing it and experiencing it as you have is two different things. What a tough journey but what a witness you have been to God's faithfulness and your dependence up on Him during this time. Counting it all joy to have this wonderful connection with you my friend. Blessings!

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  10. Thank you so much for sharing . . . I've thought of you often with the move from your other home and how hard it will be, but to know someday our "home" in heaven will be so much more beyond our comprehension. I so appreciate your sharing your heart today. I long for that heavenly home with you . . . Blessings dear one!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Debbie,
    My dad used to quote the verse, "Where you treasure is, your heart will be."
    I am happy for you that you have a new place you can call home. I hope you fill it with praise and hope, like you have done till this day.
    In our home there's hardly an item that would make an American raise his eyebrows with admiration, but it's ours, and you cannot believe how happy I am, coming home from all my hospital visits and close the door behind me. I'm home. Honestly, I don't even long for the streets of gold, but I long for the peace and joy of finally having reached my destination.That'll be the day, and I'll meet you there as well.
    Love felisol

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  12. Debbie,
    Your post was very intriguing, because as I read the words and as I came to the end, I felt an overwhelming surge of calmness.

    God will help you to decorate your new house as a tapestry for Him.

    May the Lord continue to anoint you, as you spread His Word in your refreshing way.

    Sweet love to you, my sister in Christ.

    ReplyDelete
  13. "God is my dwelling place."
    My heart whispers yes.
    What a beautiful tesitmony of faith walk. I admire your courage and how you are constantly looking to Him to fill your all.
    Many blessings are being sent for your move and your sweet heart.

    All thru Him,
    Cin

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