Heart Choices: The Blessing of Joy -->

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The Blessing of Joy


Blessings come in all shapes and sizes.  But they can be so easy to miss when I'm focusing my mind on all of my difficulties or all that's wrong in this world.  It's very possible I could miss something beautiful right in front of my eyes.

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This morning I woke up to rain outside.  Now that may not seem like a big deal to many of you but it is a rare sight in Phoenix.  Finally, the fall season has arrived and I can begin to wear a sweater.  Woo hoo!

I don't know where my umbrella is but frankly, I don't even mind getting a bit wet.  The rain feels good.  I sat on the back covered patio in the dark so I could hear the raindrops as they fell to the ground. And I thanked God for the rain.

#212 Much needed rain

#213 The sound and the smell of the rain


Friends of mine are missionaries overseas.  Pete and Susan are on furlough but return to Taiwan soon.  I attended a gathering on Saturday evening so we'd have the opportunity to spend time together.  What a joy that was!

Here are a few photos:

Susan and Annie
We laughed, we sang, we ate, we praised God, we shared testimonies, and we were served the Lord's Supper.




What a blessing to be among life long friends.  We all met many years ago in church.  Each one of us has been on a journey with a story to tell.  I  noticed that in our sharing time, each one gave praise to God even in the midst of trials and difficulties.  It's not always been an easy road following Christ.  But it is so worth it. How thankful we are that He never gives up on us!

Helen and John hosted the evening.  How blessed I felt to be a part of this community of believers.  And of course, I had to post a photo of my friend Helen in her kitchen.


And finally, here's Pete and Susan sharing a kiss.  How cute they are!


#214  Spending time with life long friends

#215  Hearing about the faithfulness of God

#216 Praising God in song

#217  Sharing Communion with my friends

#218  The sound of laughter and joy

#219  Having FUN

So how about you?

Are you counting those everyday blessings yet?

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience.

 

Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
23 Comments
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23 comments:

  1. That is such a rich time you had with these special friends, Debbie. Nothing is more encouraging than hearing and sharing the grace and love of God in our lives. This blessed me too! :)

    xo

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  2. the sound and smell of rain! such a gift! we're in the middle of rainy season here too and I love being able to wear a sweater in Africa! blessings to you from Uganda!

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  3. Debbie - praise God for all the blessings He continues to give you and each of us!

    Love this post and you!

    XOOX

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  4. "the sound of laughter and joy" --so glad those things are audibly contageous! thanks for sharing:)

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  5. Beautiful blessings my friend and how fun to get together with life long friends and share journeys.

    It's gotten a lot nicer here in Florida lately. I'm thankful for the change. I was getting sick of the heat!!
    Have a blessed day.
    Kim

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  6. Wonderful blessings! Excited about the rain in AZ! I know you all needed it.
    I'm so glad you were able to get together with friends esp. your furlough missionary friends.
    Giving thanks.

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  7. God is so good and I'm so glad you got me into counting mine too. I've missed a few weeks, but I haven't quit and did mine this week again.

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  8. Just here to say thanks for the visit, comment and support (meant a lot to me!)

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  9. What wonderful blessings.....the sounds of rain and getting to spend time with precious brothers and sisters in Christ.....Does it get any better.....So glad you had this time with them....Special memories.....

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  10. It's so fun to see what bedazzles your season of gratitude.

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  11. very nice post thank you for sharing...God bless you

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  12. I also love the sound and smell of rain! Looks like a wonderful time with your friends. What a blessing to have such people in your life. Love that last photo... so sweet! :)

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  13. I'm so glad that that autumn has reach Phoenix! I love the fall, too! Have a blessed week, Debbie!

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  14. I love the sound of rain, especially at night. Actually helps me sleep. What a special time you had with special friends. Loved your list today. Beautiful!

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  15. Hey precious, I so love this...words, heart, photos! God is so good to all of us isn't He?!

    Thanks for sharing your heart and friends. Love you!

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  16. ...the smell of rain! Joining with you in giving praise to the ONE who gives perfect gifts.

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  17. From "helen in the kitchen," I just would like to add how very special it was for me that you were able to join us. We are a close group of friends, but life has taken us in many directions. How wonderful it is to come together on such an occasion and still feel the love for each other, even though we don't get to get together like we use to. Because of the love we have for one another, it is easy to come together and just pick up like we see each other all the time. It is important and right that we expand our ministries, move on to where the Lord would have us go, and experience those "seasons" of life that we all have. But I thank God for these familiar faces, for those we have history with and a special love for. I am especially thankful that you my dear friend, are one of those precious faces. Love you.

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  18. So much to be thankful for - and yes, I am still counting, too.

    So glad you got to visit with your friends. Blessings to you, Debbie.

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  19. I love your real life act of worship. Seeing you with your friends is such a delight -- something about knowing the body of Christ is fellowshipping so many miles away from me is an encouragement!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Love to you!

    Lisa
    www.moretobe.com

    P.S. Thanks for stopping by early this morning, too. Your comment blessed me!

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  20. Debbie...this is wonderful from beginning to end. We had a little rain..we need so much more because our water sources are drying up.

    The fellowship with other believers...yes, sharing the victories and the pain...that is what authentic community is all about. Oh He can bring that about...what a true blessing.

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  21. Just wanted to stop by and say hello. I've been thinking about you. Have a wonderful Friday my friend!
    Bethany

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  22. The smell of rain ~ such a pleasure ~ the smell of rich friendships such a delight ~ the happy life gifted with the presence of the Lord such a privilege ~ Thankful for all these wonderful experiences!Enjoyed the experience of your party through your pictures..thank you for sharing

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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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