Heart Choices: 2011-04-10 -->

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Where to Find Comfort and Peace


This has been a difficult week for me.  Life is filled with so much uncertainty.

I was so troubled and anxious as I was driving to pick up my carpool buddy Tara.  I turned on the radio and this song was playing.  I can't tell you how much it ministered to me.



So often life isn't simple.  I have a tendency to want to keep things peaceful.  But that isn't always possible.  After all, I cannot control others.  But I can choose my response to circumstances and people.

I find that I can come to Jesus and ...find comfort and peace.  

The world cannot provide that but He can.  How thankful I am that He is always with me.




I encourage you to visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders to listen to other songs for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Blessings and love,

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What's Around the Corner?


It's In Other Words Tuesday and Deborah of Chocolate and Coffee is hosting.  The quote she choose for us to write about is:

“God is not concerned about what is around the corner.  He created the corner.”
I have a tendency to want to know what's going to happen next. I've even been known to read the last chapter first in a novel.  I know; that's weird.  But I think I always wanted to manage expectations since I was a child.  I always seemed to want to brace myself for what was next.

My life is very uncertain in this season. I have no idea where I'll be living even two months from now. So much depends on what's around the corner.

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How thankful I am to be a child of God.  I may not know what the future holds but He does.  And through the difficult times, I'm slowly learning that He is trustworthy and I can depend on Him.

As my friend Jill always says: "It's an opportunity to trust God."

So, I don't need to know what's around the corner.  Instead, I make the choice to take one step at a time.

My part is to pray, read the Word and be attentive to His soft whisper throughout my day.  I want to walk in obedience.

What about you?  Do you dread what's around the corner?  Or do you look forward to it? 

Blessings and love,

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Simple Blessings


As I continue to count one thousand gifts, I am so much more aware of the simple things that I might have otherwise taken for granted.

#32 Rain and cooler temps

Our weather in Phoenix made an abrupt change on Saturday.  We went from summer temps in the high 80's to the mid 40's and rain.  But I love rain!  The photo above was taken through the sunroof in my car.

#33  My new favorite flavor of tea is Mango Black Tea from Trader Joe's.  They used to have this tea during the summer only but now ...all year long. :)


#34 Receiving a child's travel journal in the mail from a blogging friend

I hope to take the journal to my first grade after school class.  We will have the opportunity to write about Arizona and take a few photos to send to Jillian.  I was so excited when I recognized several blogging friends who contributed to this project including my Norwegian friend Felisol of On the Far Side of the Sea.

#35  Highlights for my hair

It may sound vain but I cannot tell you how much better I feel after getting my highlights done.  They were long overdue.  I really think they brightened my face and ...I needed a little brightening.

#36  A substitute teacher who became a new friend

On Thursday, Heidi wasn't in school so I had a substitute teacher to help with our class.  Often the substitutes are just there but not so very helpful.  Well, Barbara was ...fabulous.

She anticipated everything I might need and was willing to 'get her hands dirty'.  She was loving on those little children and making sure I took my break.  As the children were resting on their nap maps, we had some time to talk.  Wouldn't you know that she is a sister in Christ?

I felt that in my Spirit as we worked together that day.  I'm so glad that she is often at Rancho so I'll be able to see her again.  Although we don't speak the name of Jesus in the school, both Barbara and I can be a light and share the love of Christ without words.  And we both pray!

#37 Having my voice back

Last week I had laryngitis and allergy problems.  I am finally feeling so much better and I'm able to talk.

#38  A chance encounter with the Arizona State University (ASU) shuttle

Let me explain this one.  I carpool with Tara since we both live quite a distance from work.  She has been accepted into law school at ASU this fall.  For two days we didn't share a ride as she had a few commitments involving welcoming activities at school.  She told me about the shuttle that runs from each of the three campuses and how convenient this service was for her.

Well, I was driving alone to work on Friday.  But I noticed a bus with ASU written on it and figured this must be the shuttle Tara had spoken about.  Wouldn't you know that next time I went on Facebook Tara had sent me this message:
 Tara 
Debbie! I just had a Special Moment! I'm riding on the ASU shuttle down to Tempe, and I realized, "Oh, Debbie is probably driving to work now," and then, "Maybe I'll see her on the road," and then -- literally -- I looked out the window and you were passing the bus on Thunderbird!!! You must have been thinking of me, too. (I just saw you again, at the I-17 light, while writing this note!) Oh, the simple pleasures...
I love it when stuff like this happens!

These simple blessings are gifts from God.  I'm linking up with Ann Voskamp of A Holy Experience.



Blessings and love,

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