Heart Choices: 2014-12-28 -->

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

Peaceful Sleep


Do you sleep peacefully? My husband Greg took this photo of me the other night. He tends to stay up later than me. He often tells me how peaceful I look when I'm sleeping. Of course, there are nights when I'm probably drooling as the evidence is on my pillow. And very rarely, there might be a snore or two coming out of me. But ...not very often! :)

Well, Greg suggested I post this photo on Facebook. I was hesitant as I'm cautious about what I post on any social media. But I went ahead and posted it. I had to laugh as the 'likes' and comments came in very quickly! My friend Linda immediately pointed out that I was praying. Others commented that I looked peaceful and comfortable. And one friend wrote that she was waiting for a photo that I would take of Greg sleeping. Payback! :)

Well, this morning I was doing my Bible reading during my early morning quiet time. I'm using an app on my Kindle from YouVersion. There are many reading plans available but this year I'm doing Bible in One Year. So far, I'm loving this one!

One of the readings for today was Psalm 4.
I love when this happens! As I read this verse, I also read the accompanying devotion. True joy and peace are found in relationship with God. God alone is the true source of joy and peace. Prosperity and material abundance doesn't necessarily lead to a peaceful sleep. I can attest to that. Been there and done that! Only in God's will can we truly 'dwell in safety'. 

When I'm ready to go to sleep, I say my prayers. As you can tell from this picture, I often do fall asleep praying. Giving my burdens to the Lord helps me to sleep peacefully. 

Will you give it a try? How do you sleep? And should I post a photo of Greg sleeping?

Blessings and love,
QuickEdit

My One Word


As each new year begins, I choose one word that I focus on for that year. It's a characteristic that I desire to be present in my life. I spend time between Christmas and New Year's Day praying and asking God what He would have me to focus on.

My one word for 2015 is LOVE.

As I look around our world today, love doesn't seem to be present. I see fighting and hatred towards others, bitterness, racial divisions and denominational divisions.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 (NIV)

"Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:8 (NIV)

Jesus Christ loved me so much, He died on the cross for my sins. I have peace with God now through Jesus. Now that is LOVE!

So in response how can I not have love for others?

  • It's easy to love people who see things the way I do. 
  • It's easy to love people who love me. 
  • It's easy to love people who haven't hurt me.
  • It's easy to love people who understand me.
But what about those who view life differently from me? What about those who are critical of me?

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)


I've been reading Pastor Jim Cymbala's latest book Storm: Hearing Jesus for The Times We Live In. He describes ministering to hurting people in his church.

"When people know you love and care about them, you can speak difficult truth and they will receive it." Jim Cymbala

If only this would be our approach to one another. I believe in sound doctrinal truth. But I also believe that truth can be spoken in love.

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Each day I get to work with little children. At three and four years of age, I would venture to say they haven't been hurt by the world. They tend to focus on themselves and want what they want when they want it. But I also love when I see their love in action.

They help one another. They come to school from different backgrounds. And when I see them being kind to one another, my heart melts.

I can't help but smile as I realize where God has placed me. Although I was unable to have my own children, He has blessed me with a job filled with little children. Now is that a God of love or what?

Have you considered your own one word for 2015? If so, I encourage you to share it with me.

I just received a FREE 2015  word image that Traci Michele created for me. You can get one for yourself on her blog. So what do you think?


Happy New Year!

Blessings and love,

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