Heart Choices: Enjoy Special Moments -->

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Enjoy Special Moments


Do you take the time to enjoy those special moments in your week?

I have a habit of going through my day with my to-do list. There's always so much to do and I'm afraid I'll get off track and ...forget things.

Be warned, that's what happens when you get older.

Before I know it, the week has gone by and I haven't taken the time to enjoy and reflect on the special moments. My blogging friend Lori writes a weekly Saturday post on Lori's Reflections called Looking Back. She shares what she's learned during the week and I find myself looking forward to reading her post each week.

So, I want to take this opportunity to share a few special moments from my week. And by sharing them with you, I get to ...enjoy them too.
I attend a weekly Sunday morning Bible study at my church. Our group is called Life Group. We're currently in the midst of a study called The Truth Project. Since our group is small enough, we watch the DVD and then have a chance to discuss it. Dr. Del Tackett of Focus on the Family is the instructor for this series. If you ever have an opportunity to do this study, it's well worth the time.

As I've written before, my desire is to be a life long learner. The Truth Project is a study that requires lots of thinking and stretching. But it teaches me about worldviews that are in contrast to my biblical worldview. It really helps me to understand how others look at life. I want to be able to discuss why I believe what I believe intelligently and respectfully, without fear of being ridiculed for my beliefs.

After church on Sunday, I went to lunch with two of my friends from our class. Nancy is on the left and Marcia is on the right. Postino is one of my favorite places to eat and they just opened up a new location down the street from my church on Central Avenue in Phoenix. Yay!! They have the best bruschetta in town!

Now, I have to mention a special accomplishment by my friend Jamie's son, Braden. Jamie sent me this photo of him. She said he spent four years of hard work, along with much fun and maturing and has accomplished his goal. On Thursday night, Braden went before the Board and passed as an official Eagle Scout. Woo hoo, way to go, Braden!

Jamie is like my adopted daughter/friend. She used to live in Phoenix but since her hubby got transferred a few years ago the family lives in San Antonio. I've written about her in other posts, including two interviews here and here for Fitness Friday.

Jamie's daughter Mary is celebrating a birthday today. And I'm so sad that I can't be there to join in and ...maybe have a piece of cake. Wouldn't you know I'm thinking of sweets?

Mary is growing up so quickly. But she is still just as sweet as ever. I have a few photos to share with you.

This is me, Mary, Ellie and Jamie outside their home when they lived in Phoenix.


I had to laugh at this photo of Mary on the right. I wanted to find an opportunity to use this picture for some time now. It's Mary's first visit to the dentist. Notice the sunglasses; too cute!
And here's Mary with her sister Karli. She lost another tooth at the beginning of this month.
So, on your special day I want to wish Mary a very happy birthday! Mrs. Petras loves you!

OK, I know this post is getting too long but when I think about it, there's much to enjoy and reflect upon.

But I have one more thing to share with you. I had my first Norwegian lesson on Monday! And I did it online at My Little Norway. L-Jay is one of my blogging friends. She's from Australia but fell in love with a Norwegian. What can I say? Those Norwegians are irresistible! She lives in Tromso, Norway which is so far north it's close to the North Pole. So, if you want to learn the Norwegian language, go visit L-Jay at My Little Norway.

And don't forget to savor those special moments and celebrate life! Life may be challenging but you have a choice ...as to how you respond.

Have you had a special moment this week? Have you learned something new that you can share?
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Debbie Petras
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10 comments:

  1. What a sweet post. Your friends look very sweet and those children are adorable of course. I love the picture of the little one in the dentist chair. :o)

    Have a blessed day Debbie!
    Beth

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  2. Thanks for sharing your week. The Truth Project is also featured at our church, but I never took the course. I try to catch Janet Parshall at Noon every day on Shine Radio (do you get that?) I learn so much about Christan/World views.

    These children are precious.

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  3. Yes Debbie, I did have a special moment this week, and I'm glad your post reminded me of it. So often, we have special moments come into our lives, and like answered prayer, we often don't even notice - too busy, I guess.
    Yesterday I did not want to go to a sharing day at the Bible study I attend. But you know how guilt and obligation can make you do alot of things, so I drug in late, with not too many expectations of the morning. Wouldn't you know it, I was blessed to the point of tears as I heard lady after lady share what God was doing in her life, and sang the sweet songs of the faith. Added to that, I began to think of all the wonderful things God has done for me through this particular study, and how I want to be more obedient.....
    My post will be as long as yours if I don't stop. Thanks for reminding me about the "special moment."

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  4. Precious sharing here Debbie. You are so beautiful and it was a treat seeing your friends and the kids etc.

    Way to go to Braden! Birthday blessings and all the other wonderful things you shared on your friends and their kids. What a blessing and yes we must enjoy those special moments. Love ya.

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  5. What a special post.....Thanks for sharing....

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  6. I look forward to hearing more about "The Truth Project" I have wanted to do that study.

    Congrats to Braden and Happy Birthday Mary.

    Thank you for sharing these special people today!!

    Hugs

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  7. This week, I learned I have a lot of patience--and can force a little extra compassion--when really needed.

    I'm in the midst of the final edits on my book, but was on my way to lunch with a relative yesterday when I got a call from a friend. He said he'd just been laid off, asked if I could have lunch with him. Since I couldn't at that moment, I promised I'd call him when I finished. So I did. He was, by then, with another friend at a favorite Mexican bar. Even though I needed to get back home to work, I told him, "Don't leave yet. I'm heading your way."

    When I arrived, I saw them at the bar; they all seemed fine. For the next hour, we joked around and poked fun at being "losers." But then my friend's demeanor changed, and he started to lose it. Before long, my friend left us to go to the rest room.

    A few minutes later, I could hear him crying. I got up from my seat to go check on him. But he was completely unconsoleable. He stayed like that for the next hour, until we could convince him to leave. I drove him home, and he remained unconsolable. I walked him around the block. I let him fall to the ground. I just stayed there with him...until I could get him home...and his partner arrived to take over for me.

    In my head, I was shocked, and there were moments when I wanted to act like his mother and send him to his room. But in my heart, I knew I had to stay there with him, to let him say and do all that I couldn't imagine him doing otherwise. He'd been with the company for 16 years. He was afraid of what would come next, how he'd pay his bills. No matter what I said, he couldn't be consoled.

    It made me wonder how many other people there are out there right now who are feeling much the same as him. Maybe they wouldn't be as expressive, but maybe they should.

    I spoke to him this morning, and he apologized, and said he was okay.

    I guess you never know how people are going to react to the stressors in life. If it's not you but a friend or family member, all you can do is just be there for them the best you can. There's nothing else you can do. And it makes me feel good to know, when necessary, I can step up.

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  8. The little moments spent with my daughter are the special moments. The one moment that I always look forward to is when she hugs me. Babies get lots of hugs but then there comes a time when they learn to hug you back. I treasure the moments when Lilu wraps her little arms around me and gives a gentle squeeze. I melt like butter.

    Thank you for the post - remembering the special moments is just as important. And thanks for the mention.

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  9. Wonderful post. This week I am learning how to communicate again and appreciate what I already have. My whole week has been special.

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  10. Hi Debbie, Such a thoughtful and timely post. Thank you for sharing and for all the photos-so good to see life and joy!
    Hugs.
    Noreen

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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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