Heart Choices: The Reason I Can Thrive -->

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The Reason I Can Thrive



Today I am hosting "In Other Words Tuesday".

The quote I chose for us to write about is:

"We can thrive -- and even offer life-giving rest to others -- because God is at home in us."  Bonnie Gray ~ Faith Barista

When I first read this quote on Bonnie's blog Faith Barista, it really resonated within me.

God is at home within me.  How amazing is that?  And yet, I realize how easy it can be to take this precious gift for granted.

When I received Jesus as my personal Savior, His Spirit came to live within me.  However, it wasn't until years later that I came to appreciate, acknowledge and finally surrender to the Holy Spirit's leading in my life.  He became Lord of my life.  I still struggle for control at times because my flesh is still active as long as I'm living on this side of heaven.

However, as I've gone through some tough seasons of trials and challenges, I've learned to more readily submit to His leading.  I'm learning that He is trustworthy and to listen and obey more quickly.

I've discovered that I am surviving even in the midst of many losses:

  • The death of my mother
  • The loss of my dream home
  • The change in life circumstances and return to full time work
  • The loss of time with friends I love and enjoy
  • The loss of financial freedom
As I was driving to work on the freeway recently, I realized that I was not only surviving ...I was thriving.


I had fought many of the changes in my lifestyle and had many moments of anger and sadness.  But I've learned so much during this time of uncertainty and change.  Material possessions are temporary and can easily be taken away.  But my relationship with the Lord continues to grow more intimate.  He is with me and He continues to teach me.  He has a plan and a purpose for my life.


I recently had the pleasure of spending an evening with friends.  I have close friends who are missionaries overseas.  Pete and Susan had served in China and now Taiwan and were home on furlough.  During the evening, Susan pulled me aside and shared something that touched my heart.  She told me that she often shared some of my story and used me as an example to encourage some of the women who were new believers.  I was close to tears when I heard this.

And recently at work, a teacher came up to me and said that I surely must have a perfect life.  She noticed that I always seemed to be so happy and smiling.  I almost laughed out loud since I was back to work because my life had been turned upside down.

But I also realized why I could be happy and smile.  Yes, my day to day life was completely changed.  But I have come to learn what it is to rely on God as ...my Comforter, my Sustainer, my Strength, and my Contentment.  I am learning to rest in Him.  How thankful I was that others noticed.  And I could quickly give Him the glory.  He is the reason I can smile.  He is the reason I can be content.  He is the reason I can share that life giving rest with others.

I encourage you to take this quote and link up your blog below.  I love to read how each person interprets our quotes differently.  You are also invited to add your comments to this post.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
Debbie Petras
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19 comments:

  1. Once again, we are on the same page. Check out my post at My 100 Day Prayer blog: http://my100dayprayer.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-62-dont-stop.html

    The reading today was about Paul talking about being thankful IN our circumstances, even if not FOR the circumstances. That's the difference for the Christian.

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  2. This is beautiful.

    And truly, what it is all about.
    Truly.

    Such a blessing to have read this post.
    Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting on my Mulitudes on Monday post.

    I am grateful that it led me here...
    Because even though I just counted all of those blessings, the stress of the season I am in threatens to choke the joy at nearly every moment...

    THank you for the reminder that the circumstances are not the source of our Joy... or the source of our Peace.
    Blessings to you!

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  3. Amen amen. Seems we grow so much in the valley even though we dont want to go there. I hope i have shown for him during my valley walk
    Blessings and thsnks for sharing you akways encourage me

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  4. Praising God for your pliable spirit that responded rightly to His plan for your life, though it was painful. And I'm thankful after you've come through you can smile again. You give me hope for whatever the future holds.

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  5. One of the beautiful blessings of learning how to thrive rather than simply survive in trials is having our experiences and God's hand in our lives be a witness to others.

    He is the reason I can smile, too!

    Blessings Debbie! Joan

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  6. Hi Debbie - thank you so much for sharing this quote with us this week. It is surely a truth that we all need to be reminded of frequently. And I am so grateful that once we have walked through the valley and learned of His grace and love in the midst of difficulties, that He often gives us opportunities to come along side someone else who needs to hear words of "life-giving rest" and hope. Praying for you today, my friend, as I know these transitions have been difficult for you. Nina @ mamas*little*treasures and Ruby for Women

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  7. PS just wanted to let you know that I'm posting your button on my sidebar and will also post it in our Bloggers Group in the Ruby for Women community ;o) Nina

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  8. That was really good. We need to give God credit more often for what He does for us in our lives. Thanks for hosting.

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  9. Hi Debbie,

    I first want to say I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Mother.

    Thank you for speaking so openly, and honestly. From what you have shared, it reminds me of the apostle Paul, because although you have experienced loss in more than one way, you actually consider it all gain, gain in regard to your relationship with Jesus, and in the lives of others. Amen!

    God bless you friend,
    Hugs~
    Michele

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  10. Debbie, when I read this I thought of that little saying, "thank-you for letting me see Jesus in you." I have felt that way about you for a long time, and to see that others see it to is not surprising. What a blessing to know that your testimony is impacting those you work with and women in another part of the world. That has to bless your heart, God has given you such a rich blessing.

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  11. Trials have given you a beautiful smile, a compassionate heart, and a transparency that let's Jesus light shine through you. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us because you continually bless me with your words....

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  12. Thank you so much for sharing this...and I am so sorry for your losses.

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  13. Knowing what you've endured, my friend, I love this testimony to God's having made lemonade from the lemons! You walk the talk.

    I couldn't help but think of the old Gaither song, "Because He Lives" (I can face tomorrow). Indeed, in Him we have all we need and soooooo much besides!

    Love you,
    Kathleen

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  14. To think He is at home in me. I'm in awe. He wants me to welcome Him in so He can thrive in me and through me...causing me to thrive beyond surviving.

    I'm praising God with you for your season of thriving. It has blessed my soul today. My spirit is filled with joy!

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  15. Thank you Debbie, the Lord is surely with you....I can so relate to everything you talked about. The loss of your dear Mom must have been very hard, since I have a feeling you were very close, as I am to my Mom. You (and your blog) are a blessing, and a testimony to me! Lori

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  16. Your open, caring heart is always so beautiful. You have my love. Thank you for sharing with us.

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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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