Heart Choices: Thankful Thursday ~ His Masterpiece -->

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Thankful Thursday ~ His Masterpiece



I'm so glad it's Thankful Thursday because I needed it. So much has been going on in my life lately, that I really needed to take some time to choose to focus on what I'm thankful for.

Laurie of Women Taking a Stand is our host and she has chosen "His Masterpiece" as our theme. You can link to her blog and join in or visit other participating blogs.

I know that I'm a work in progress. The Lord isn't finished with me yet. And I'm so thankful that He hasn't given up on me, despite my desire to be in control. Sometimes it takes going through very difficult seasons to finally realize I'm not in control.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10

God not only looks at where I am today but He knows what He has planned for me in the future. I want to cooperate and not insist on being in control. To completely surrender to His will takes ...faith, trust and obedience.

But I know He is trustworthy. I believe He is using me to be salt and light to spread the love of Christ to others.

I'm so thankful that:

  • I've been given the gift of friendship from people all over the world. On Tuesday, I wrote a post asking for prayer for my sister Christine. I am overwhelmed (and so is Chris) with the response. Even my friend in Cyprus, reposted what I had written on his blog and also translated it into Greek. You can read it here. As a result, Christine has been prayed for by people from far corners of the world. How awesome is that? And thank you Philip.
  • God has entrusted me with people who don't yet know Him as their personal Savior. I have to live dependent on Him so that the fruit of the Spirit is evident as I trust Him to live in a God honoring way despite many trials. I'm so thankful for the privilege of His presence in my life.
  • I am so thankful for the internet. It may sound wierd to some of my friends but it has become such a ministry and a way to connect with people I would never have had the opportunity to meet. I've met many new relatives from Norway, established friendships with people from all over the world and truly come to love and pray for so many.
  • I'm thankful that God uses my trials to pray and encourage others. There's nothing like understanding a situation when you've also walked in the same shoes. We are able to comfort and encourage one another.

I could go on and on and for that I'm thankful. Being thankful changes my perspective. And then I remember to focus my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith.

How thankful I am that He hasn't given up on me and that He is chiseling away the areas in my life ...that don't reflect Christ.



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Debbie Petras
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11 comments:

  1. Happy Thursday, my friend! I, too, am thankful for on-line friends. I think of your testimony of God's love and grace often. You encourage me. May He bless you big today!

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  2. You are such a sweetie, bless you.

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  3. God is gracious in all. He truly does use us and modes of communication to unite His people, to bring the message of hope to so many. Praising God for your openness to Him at each step of your journey.
    ~ linda

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  4. I'm glad for the internet too! Reading other Christian women's blog like yours is just inspiring.

    Lalaine's World
    From Asia and Beyond
    Day to Day Miracles
    Trying to be Fit
    Not a Shopaholic

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  5. You my friend, are truly His masterpiece. Every stroke uniquely designed by the Master painter himself.

    Can hardly wait to hug you and pray with you in person,
    Sarah Dawn

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  6. Faith, trust, and obedience! Great post for the day. Thanks for sharing this.

    Diana

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  7. Very encouraging and thought provoking. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Beautiful post today. I look at blogging as a ministry as well and I am so glad that God is still fine tuning me and drawing me into the vessel He desires. Happy TT!

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  9. How is your sister? I didn't see the post until today. (Sorry!)

    I've been praying today.

    You are loved.

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  10. Dear Debbie,
    Isn't it an in ways tiresome contradiction, that God sometimes has to place us in situations where we only have him to cling to?

    I must admit, I'm not at all very comfortable with myself in these situations.
    The more I've have experienced that God's promises are solid gold.
    "Never will I leave you, nor forsake you", His words have not failed to this day.
    I could write volumes about my stumbling and failures, but equal
    praises of God's faithfulness and ability to raise me up.

    It is good sometimes, to hide in that Rock of Ages, cleft for me.

    My beloved dad had a reflected view on Life's many trials and errors.
    From he was five years old he was tormented with migraine. I used to pray for him when he had his worst attacks.
    And knowing what a gifted and talented person he was, I asked many whys.
    My dad did not complain. "You know, girlie, If I had been able to follow my dreams and educate me for what I really wanted, I might have been so blinded by my own success, I might not feel I needed God." And he would quote of of his favorite Bible verse,Romans 8:28"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "

    Counting stars under the velvet black sky, like you are doing today indeed is a source of encouragement.
    From Felisol

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  11. I am so with you on the internet piece! I know God has blessed me with all my wonderful online friends at a time in my life that I especially needed it. Praying for you!! Happy TT.

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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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