Heart Choices: Living Fully in the Moment -->

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Living Fully in the Moment


In my quest to live fully right where I am, I find that I'm beginning to find delight in simple things.  I received a dancing solar flower for Valentine's Day from one of our three year old students.  I've placed mine in my kitchen window.  When the sun hits, it begins to dance.  Both Greg and I laugh each time we see it.

#15 Dancing solar flower

After lunch each school day, the three year old children lie down on their nap mats.  They're encouraged to spend time resting.  Most days almost all fall asleep.  Notice the red cowgirl boots on Kambria.  Her older brother's class had Western Day.  So she joined in too. :)

#16  The sight of a child's cowgirl boots
#17  Seeing my niece Katie's photo in a magazine photo shoot. 

Katie is the blonde on the right and she works at Fringe Salon  on Broome Street in the lower east side of Manhattan.  If you go to NYC, be sure to check them out and ask for Rosie.  Although her name is Katie, there is another Katie who works there so my Katie became Rosie. :)

I finally used a gift card I received at Christmas to purchase a copy of Sarah Young's book Jesus Lives.  Thanks Charity!

#18  Soaking in the love of Jesus
My friend Iris Nelson is an excellent photographer.  She recently published a beautiful book of her photos accompanied by Bible verses.  She provides encouragement as only Iris can do.

Iris had a contest when she was naming this book.  She blogged about it on Grace Alone and asked for input from other bloggers and ...I won!

I thought this cover photo was perfect for the title: "Fill Me to Overflowing".

Iris was so kind to mail me a copy of the book.  Btw, I highly recommend it.  It's a perfect book to give as a gift to others.  Iris took every one of the photos.  You will be able to see how beautiful Arizona is.  And both Iris and I get to live here.

#19 A wonderful friend and a beautiful state in which to live

#20 Spring break this week

#21 A much needed time of rest and refreshment

#22 Beautiful weather in Phoenix

#23 The sound of birds chirping in the early morning as I pour my cup of coffee

#24 The sound of my keyboard as I type out my blog post


Have I mentioned that I love the world of blogging?  Working full time has cramped my time so I've not been able to visit all of my favorite blogs.  I hope to do some catching up this week though.  I've made so many wonderful friends through blogging.

#25 Blogging; a wonderful way to encourage others and to be encouraged

Reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are has begun to change my outlook on life. 

I am beginning to notice the ordinary simple things in life and to be ...thankful.

I am linking up today with Ann at A Holy Experience to participate in One Thousand Gifts.





Blessings and love,


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Debbie Petras
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15 comments:

  1. Thanks for this post. I need to remember to do this.

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  2. Wonderful post! I was in a salon that had 3 Kathys (I became Kathleen) and two Debbies (one became Randy who later happened to marry a man named, you guessed it, RANDY!!!!)

    Love Ann's book!
    Love the cover of Iris's book too! I will have to look into it!
    Blessings on your spring break!

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  3. You are so precious!

    Love Iris's book cover and the title!

    Hugs and much love - Jill

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  4. This post makes me smile. Love it that you're enjoying the little things. :-) Congrats on naming the book. Enjoy your Spring break. Love to you~

    Jennifer

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  5. Happy Spring Break, enjoy, enjoy! You will love Jesus Lives! Blessings!

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  6. Isn't it crazy Debbie how we can get so busy that we forget to notice the little things in our lives.

    Thanks for the reminder!

    BTW-Love Sarah Young. I got her "Jesus Calling" & it's incredible!

    http://bowlofinspiration.blogspot.com

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  7. It's such a wonder how little things like this makes people smile.

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  8. This was a great post. There are simple little pleasures everywhere if we look. I love your dancing flower! What a cute thing. I am going to get myself that 1000 gifts book. Congrats on naming the book...looks like a good one. ENJOY your break. HUGS

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  9. Thank you for sharing your list of simple everyday gifts to be thankful for. There is beauty in the ordinary... if we stop long enough to see it.

    I hope you enjoy your spring break. May God refresh your soul and renew your mind and prepare you for the new things ahead of you!

    Love
    Lidj

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  10. Precious friend,

    As you already know I'm trying to merge slowly back into blogging but won't be online as much as I used to; not possible any more for several reasons so I understand about time as you mentioned. I too, missed you and many other blogging friends. Trying to take a little time today to visit for an hour.

    I enjoyed this message. I too have Jesus Lives. It was a gift to me end of 2009 but I have not used it yet. I've been using Jesus Calling for two years along with other devotions. It's what I need now.

    I loved seeing Katie again! She's so beautiful and if I get back to my home town of NY I will look her up!

    So good to see you are thoroughly enjoying the little ones. They are a treat aren't they?! My Grand babies and my daughter and SIL are relocating here April 1st. One of the answered prayers from GOD. I will have little feet running around my home again soon!

    I am so happy for Iris. She is a very kind person and I pray her photo/Scripture book is placed into every hand GOD intends. Awesome!

    I love you friend and thanks again for ALL of your prayers. You have mine!

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  11. Great list, Debbie! We have so much to be thankful for and your list of everyday things is a great reminder and encouragement to enjoy where we are today.

    Blessings, Joan

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  12. Great list, Debbie! We have so much to be thankful for and your list of everyday things is a great reminder and encouragement to enjoy where we are today.

    Blessings, Joan

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  13. Hi my friend,
    so sorry I missed your call. Jack preached out in Tonapah and it was a very long day which was followed by a very long nap.
    A friend at BSF gave me the same dancing flower to remind me to keep life in motion. It makes me smile every time I see it dance.
    Miss you

    Blessings,
    Anna May

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  14. Dear Debbie,
    I'm singing while reading your blog of God's Horn of Plenty.
    Good to be reminded how essential counting our blessings is .
    I know, I know; at least once a day.
    These days life and everyday necessities seems more valuable then ever.

    Thank your, dear Debbie, for bringing smile upon my face and grace in my heart.
    From felisol

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  15. Oh, my mom had one of those dancing solar flowers in her room. My sister bought one for her and one for herself. Seeing your picture flooded me with memories. Thanks, Debbie. You have a beautiful list.

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