Heart Choices: Thankful Thursday ~ Everlasting Love -->

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Thankful Thursday ~ Everlasting Love


Extravagant Grace
 

Everlasting love; how sweet and reassuring those words sound to my ears.  Did you know that is how God feels about you? 

I am so thankful for His love that knows no bounds. 

Isn't this a beautiful Scripture graphic created by eLisa of Extravagant Grace?
 
As this is Thankful Thursday, I wanted to share how thankful I am for ...God's everlasting love.

Have you really considered that the Almighty God who created the Universe and set the stars in place cares about you and loves you? 

That is overwhelming for me to grasp and yet I know it's true.  I receive that by faith.  He has proven Himself trustworthy to me over and over again throughout the years. 


Sometimes I meet with Him early in the morning in my office.  I have my Bible and journal open to write down what the Lord reveals to me through my reading and prayer time.  I try to spend some time in silence to meditate on the Scriptures and ...to be still.

Some mornings I listen to Scott Samter teach directly from the Scriptures on Opening His Word Together. What a blessing it's been to learn and grow.  Scott always includes the context and background of the times in which the chapters were written.


Some mornings I enjoy the solitude of sitting on the patio with my Bible and journal.  I never know who will surprise me, like this cute little bunny.  When I remain still the wildlife seem to come closer to me. 

This morning I was so thankful as the Lord was teaching me a lesson.  I had a personal symphony  playing in the backyard. 
  • The birds were chirping
  • A hummingbird was fluttering his wings directly in front of me 
  • Quail were exploring as they were looking for breakfast
  • Jack rabbits were hopping around trying to reach the fruit hanging on the trees 
I had to smile as I realized that God knew each one of His creatures and they weren't worrying about where tomorrow's food was coming from.  They were looking for food for today.  An  important lesson to jot down in my journal.

No matter where I live, I've determined in my heart that this time is a necessity for me.  My husband notices the difference spending time with the Lord makes in my life.  We work together 24/7 so he is the one who sees me in my good times and my bad.  And Greg encourages me to have this daily quiet time.

Do you long for intimacy with the Lord? 

He longs to speak to your heart today. 

But are you choosing to spend time alone with Him?  Or are your day to day activities taking precedence over this time? 

I remember reading that Susanna Wesley had many children and sometimes she would stop in the middle of her day, put her apron over her head and pray.  I'm sure those of you with small children can identify.

 

How thankful are you for the love of God?  His love is everlasting and unfailing.  May you experience that love in your life today.







Iris of Grace Alone is our host for this month.  You can join in and link there or simply visit other thankful Thursday posts.

Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
36 Comments
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36 comments:

  1. Oh how I needed to read this post tonight!

    Thanks sweet friend for sharing all that you did!

    Thank you for encouraging others to listen to Scott and be still while God uses Him to speak to their hearts!

    Lots of love! Jill

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  2. Your heart is so precious, love you.

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  3. Debbie, what a beautiful post. You have a heart of gold!

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  4. I'm so glad that His love is unconditional. Many times, this world tries its best to pull us away from spending time with Him. But He is faithful. He always waits patiently.

    Perhaps what you said in your comment about those abused children and the ones who had difficulty growing up with or without father figure is probably true. I just pray that those people will turn to the Father they never had, a loving Father they never tasted. Blessings to you sister Debbie and glory be to God! Thank you for your encouragement.

    I love those pics of yours during your quiet time with the Lord...God bless you and protect you.

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  5. Love this post Debbie. I was scrolling down your page and saw that you LOVE Carmel, CA. My husband and I honeymooned in Pacific Grove (right next door). It's about three hours from our home and we still love the precious bed and breakfast along the waters edge there. (The Gosby House)

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  6. I was so touched by this post...especially the "food for today" phrase...

    I work with my husband 24/7, too...so I can attest to what you wrote...

    How thankful am I for the love of God? There are not enough words to even begin to express my gratitude to Him....

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  7. Debbie,

    what an encouraging post! What a beautiful truth!!
    My quiet time with the Lord is my cherished time of each day :)

    love you!

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  8. Oh, what a lovely post! Quiet time with the Lord is so precious. It sounds like you have found some strategies to make that happen.
    Thanks for the pretty pictures and encouraging words.

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  9. I love the song: "Ever lasting love"! Have a wonderful day my dear friend Debbie.

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  10. I don't think I can be thankful enough, when I think about it I'm just so overwhelmed. His love is as great as He is, and that's incomprehensible.

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  11. This is beautiful Thank YOU!

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  12. Everlasting love sounds pretty good to me in world where divorce and heartache take a toll on our families.

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  13. Debbie - this is beautiful. I also love spending my quiet time outdoors and seeing all His creation.

    Have a blessed day!

    Joan

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  14. What a wonderful post! Really speaks to my heart.

    I like your habit of having your journal open along with your Bible. That's a definite must-try; thank you for the inspiration!

    And after reading Joanne's comment, just want to add I used to live in Monterey, CA. We loved going out for drives in Carmel and PG. My daughter's Brownie troop met at a school there as well. Lots of memories now!

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  15. Beautiful post my friend. But I admit that my quiet times aren't so quiet right now.
    But with this whole moving and uncertainty that we are having it's really caused me to stop and think about WHO is really in control here.
    Like I told my husband yesterday and probably the day before and the day before that (because I need to keep reminding myself) that the God that caused the Red Sea to part and the God that delivered the Israelites out of Egypt and the God that created the Universe, has got this whole move under control.
    Oh what peace it gives. But I admit that my fear and my faith collide daily and so I guess that's why I am constantly reminding myself of His truths.
    Thank you for this post my friend.
    HUGS
    Kim

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  16. Hi Debbie,
    I've seen you comment on many of the blogs I visit and just have not been over here, so wanted to stop by and say hi.

    What a lovely blog you have, and I love this post. Reading the Word and listening to God speak through it is so AWESOME!!! I also keep a journal. I find it very refreshing and helpful in my walk with the Lord.

    Have a Blessed day,
    Dawn

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  17. I think the Lord wants intimacy with us and we often let him down as we rush through the day. Thank you for the reminder to take time to just be with him.

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  18. Wonderful post for today. Thank you so much. Isn't it absolutely amazing how the King of all Kings so longs to spend time with us! Blessings on your day!

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  19. Oh Debbie this soo blessed me this morning. Recently with all that is happening the Lord has so impressed upon my heart His great love for us all. It brings SUCH comfort. Thanks for the prayers, I appreciate it so. HUGS, Debbie

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  20. Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your heart.

    Blessings,
    Linda J

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  21. This post is timely for me, as my quiet time has been sporadic lately with a house full of company. But most have gone home and my mom is here with us for the month of June, and I am able to get back to meeting with God early in the morning. I pray that I may be a witness to her while she is here.

    I so need to be reminded at times that He loves me unconditionally, because earthly relationships are so often conditional; that is how I experienced it growing up. But God's love swoops in and He wraps me in His arms. As I read your last paragraph, I felt the tears of joy, knowing without a doubt that His love is everlasting and unfailing. To God be the glory!

    Love and blessings,
    Laurie

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  22. What a wonderful and inspiring post, Debbie!

    Even as was reading your words, I could hear the Divine serenade of song birds and feel the cool mountain breezes blowing through my window beckoning me to come spend time with Him! My heart says, yes Lord!!!

    Thank you Debbie!

    Sweet Blessings!
    Jackie

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  23. Very well said and I'm guilty of letting day to day life take over and not spending my time with Him. Thank for the reminder.

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  24. He spoke to me through this post. I have been neglecting my quiet time with HIM and I know He's missing me much.

    Thank you for the reminder.

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  25. I think you are really loving the quiet beautiful place where you are living. Every season and place has it's own special blessings when we know God is there too. I do love the little bunny...

    These are some special thoughts today Debbie... that time alone with God is more important to me than my morning cup of coffee, although I usually have both!! :)

    Love you,

    Sonja

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  26. Oh who beautiful the world when we stop to see. Your post is touching. You are a blessing!

    Yoli :)

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  27. I love this! I need this reminder to get back on track with my quiet time...to read the Bible, a devotional, etc. Your view is beautiful, as are you.

    xoxo
    Pat

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  28. This is a beautiful, open sharing of the heart -- just like you to share.

    Love you!

    P.S. Do I see a porcelain doll in the office? Reminds me of some of mine.

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  29. I'm being so uplifted by reading the Psalms these days, thanks for this lovely post....I love "LOVE" of any kind anyhow, but everlasting? How great can it get!!! Thanks again for your heart strings Debbie, am I ever thankful that God does indeed love even me.

    xxxxxx
    Carol Joy
    p.s. busy with my daughter's wedding these days may lead to less comments on your blog but just know you are my
    3rd sister busy or not! Love tons!

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  30. Love and hugs to you friend. Sitting, soaking, washing in His value in me. Until he tells me why he loves me so, simply happy to have his hand in mine.

    Hugs,
    Sara

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  31. Your post is so very encouraging. Oh how I want my heart to be available to Him. In time one day, I pray this to be a full time process. Thank you for sharing.

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  32. This is beautiful, Debbie. I am so profoundly thankful for His love which is so beyond anything we can begin to comprehend. Thank you for sharing, my sister.

    Love and blessings.

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  33. Hi Debbie,

    This is such a great post! It really touches my heart. Spending time with our Lord is truly precious and makes a great difference in our life. I have found it to be so too. Thank God for always blessing your time with Him. Love those pictures you shared. It's so true that God knew each one of His creatures and they weren't worrying about where tomorrow's food was coming from. They just take one day at a time. I need to learn that too :)

    Thanks for your visit and many kind words of encouragements. It is always so good to hear from you. You are a Super Encourager! Thanks for your prayers and I am praying for you too. Thank God for His goodness and mercies. Take care and have a blessed weekend!

    Warm regards,
    Nancie

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  34. I love each day coming before Him, in fact, my favorite time in the day is 5:30 a.m. (yep...it's true!) We sit together as the world is just waking up. I pray, He listens, I read, He speaks. Yes...I am so thankful for His everlasting love!

    Living for Him, Joan

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  35. Wow, it was a blessing to read this post, Debbie. I love how you shared the things God is teaching you and the different ways you study and be still before Him.

    Have a lovely weekend, friend.
    Love,
    Bethany

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  36. I'm responding late, but just want to add how wonderful I think this post is. You always point others to Jesus......knowing (by experience) that there is nothing more important that one can do than spending time alone with Him.

    thanks Debbie.

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