Heart Choices: Blessing #1000 -->

Theme Layout

Boxed or Wide or Framed

Theme Translation

Display Featured Slider

Featured Slider Styles

Display Grid Slider

Grid Slider Styles

Display Trending Posts

Display Author Bio

Display Instagram Footer

Dark or Light Style

Blessing #1000


I've been on a journey of counting my every day blessings.  Today I reached my #1,000 blessing.  So what's so special that I would write an entire blog post about it?  It's the blessing of ...you.

You who read Heart Choices.  I know some of you don't add your comments but I know you read it.  I've received private emails so I know.

I began blogging in 2007.  I really started to find my voice about 2010.  As I looked back over the posts I've written, I see a recurring theme.  I love to encourage and inspire others.  I am so grateful for all I have been given in this life. I've enjoyed much prosperity and then not so much.  In the process of releasing many material possessions, I've learned what matters most.

The relationships and people in my life are what's important.  And what binds them all together is my faith.  It is woven into all that I write on Heart Choices.

I am so grateful for the blogging relationships that have developed over these past six years.  Sonja of bits and pieces is like a sister to me.  Our hearts were knit together with our common Norwegian heritage and our love for Jesus.  She continues to be an inspiration to me.  Felisol of On the Far Side of the Sea was another Norwegian sister I came to know and love through our blogs.

I've had the pleasure of meeting many bloggers over the years.  Although this list isn't complete, here are a few of my favorite bloggers I had the pleasure of meeting in person:
  • Lisa of Lisa Shaw Cares is the most loving, kind and giving friend.     
  • Kathleen of Sassy Granny and I spent many a day together.  She used to live in Arizona after all.
  • Mary of Pile of Smiles is such an encourager.
  • Charlotte of Charlotte's Weblog and hostess of Spiritual Sundays is now a friend.  
  • Iris of Grace Alone and Laced with Grace  has become a good friend.
  • Lori of Lori's Reflections was there from the beginning of my blogging.
  • Sarah Dawn of Splashin' Glory is a sweet young mother who moved back to Arizona from the mission field. 
  • Denise of Refine Me was visiting the Phoenix area so I had the pleasure of dining with her.
  • Barbie of My Freshly Brewed Life was visiting friends in town so I got to meet her in person for coffee (of course) and conversation.
I've made many friends from all over the world through blogging.  I think of Lidia of Crown of Beauty who lives in the Philippines.  Debbie of The Way We Are  is from California and Janette of  Janette's Sage is from Texas.  I know I'm missing many of my blogging friends but this post would go on and on.

But the message I want to share is how thankful I am for you all.  You have blessed me with your comments, your love and your support.  I hope to continue to blog for many years to come.

As you know, I link up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays as I count my every day blessings.



Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
Debbie Petras
20 Comments
Share This Post :

You Might Also Like

20 comments:

  1. I am amazed at all the sweet and loving gals I've met through blogging, too. I have had the pleasure of meeting four of my sister bloggers and it was wonderful. You are a great blessing and always so encouraging, Debbie, and I thank the Lord for you and your blog. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  2. As we have gotten connected through our blogs, and also this year, on FB, I marvel at how quickly our hearts have bonded as close friends, even though we have never met face to face. I don't list or number my blessings, they are too many to keep track of, but just like you, my dear blog friends are also among my greatest blessings. When the Father prunes the parts of our hearts that hinder growth and fruitbearing, He knows what He is after. And both you and I have experienced pruning, and seen for ourselves the growth and spiritual fruit that comes after. Blessings to you as you continue to count your blessings... Love and hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  3. When I got into blogging a few years back I honestly had no idea how significant of a part of my life my blogging friends would be, but they just are! They encourage me, make me laugh and cry, take me on their journeys, and share their personal life experiences, What could be better? Wish I had met as many as you have ~ how wonderful that would be! ~ You are right up near the top of my list Debbie, and I thank the Lord for you too! Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  4. all the best - peace and prayers

    ReplyDelete
  5. I, too, am grateful for such amazing blog friends in my life and I cherish each one. Thanks, Debbie, for this opportunity to publicly thank the Lord for what He has given us. I love your tender heart!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations on your 1000th gift! I have no doubt you will keep counting. You are such an inspiration to me, the way you see life, your heart for children and most of all your love for the Lord. I am so thankful that has knit our hearts together through blogging, and that I got to meet you in person. Perhaps I need to make another trip out your way! Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is why blogging is so precious. We get to know so many wonderful people. I am thankful too that our path crossed.
    Yes, counting blessings makes us very thankful:)
    Good luck for more years in blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It was a wonderful blessing to meet with you face to face Debbie, and one I will always cherish! I hope to come in personal contact with more of the beautiful ladies who have encouraged and inspired me in the coming years. :)

    Happy 1,000th gift; keep counting!

    Blessings and hugs!
    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a blessing to be able to meet so many of your blogging friends! The internet sure makes the world small, doesn't it? Blessings to you, Debbie, and congrats on reaching the 1,000 blessing mark!

    In His grip, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  10. I count you among my blessings, too, Debbie! Congrats on reaching 1,000!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh, and what fun it would be to meet you in person! You are so delightful, so inspiring and it's been a joy getting to know you through our blogs. May the Lord bless you with many, many more years of blogging! Hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Every time I meet you, we just pick right up where we left off. I am looking forward to you next meeting, my dear friend! I hope we can get some time in before Christmas this year. Now with my new wonderful automobile, I can zip around the Valley in no time. Hopefully I will not get a ticket.
    Love you , my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Debbie, God is great. He leads us of his paths for the sake of his name. I feel wondering and privileged that he let our roads meet, and even let us share ups and downs for quite a few years. Thanks to your honesty and willingness to talk openly, you've become a role model in more than one way. You´ve simply influenced my way of thinking and related to adversities. Thank you for being an important part of my life and blessings. I thank the Lord that he is capable to reach out his hands over continents to connect and bless."All the Lord´s roads are fidelity to those who love him."

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you so much Debbie. You have made my heart smile and you are always an encouragement to me. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Praying for you this week, Debbie! You really ARE an encourager and I hope we get to meet in RL someday soon. I haven't been out to Phoenix in a while, but the next time I do we will definitely meet up!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congratulations on sticking with counting the blessings and making it to 1000! I am thankful for YOU, sweet sister. Love you, girl.
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  17. Debbie, my friend, all of what you said about me and others, is exactly who YOU are. While I don't blog as often as I used to do to my ministry schedule, I'm thankful that we still connect on FB. Many of the women you mentioned have blessed my life as well and you are at the TOP of that list. We've been friends since 2008 and met in person and I absolutely love you and pray for you and for Greg and all God's best for you both. Big hugs Sis

    ReplyDelete
  18. I NEVER miss one of your posts Debbie, so I can't believe I missed this one!! YOU, my sister friend, are such a blessing in my life. I have devotedly followed your 1000 blessings, and they have enriched my life as well.

    I am adding Debbie to my own list, although you've been there for a long time!

    I just wonder what the next 1000 is going to look like!! :)

    Love you Debbie!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Debbie,
    I've waited for your 1000th gift of thanks. I knew it had to be special but it went beyond my expectations. How wonderful to see all the people who have blessed your life! You are a blessing to so many as you inspire us on our walk with the Lord.
    Can't wait to meet you someday~especially since we live so close!
    Love and blessings,
    Janis

    ReplyDelete

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.

[name=DEBBIE PETRAS] [img=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CDrwq9-7eo/WV6tdbP-QgI/AAAAAAACfb0/ViqQSnSVaDsMLXyz3AEEzZ5-78luBHOGgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Debbie%2BFace%2Bblog.JPG] [description=]