Heart Choices: It's Hot in Phoenix -->

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It's Hot in Phoenix


It's hot in Phoenix!  Yes, it may be a dry heat but the monsoons are coming.  Hopefully, we will get some much needed rain.  But frankly, I don't want to go outside in this heat.

So what's a gal to do and still find things to be thankful for?

Greg and I are working on getting settled in our small condo.  One of the blessings of living in a small space is that our air conditioning bills are so much lower than in a large house.  And believe me, we have the a/c running all the time.
I'm discovering ways to decorate that are very cost effective.  I took this photo of The Lone Cypress along 17 Mile Drive in Carmel, California.  It's one of my favorite places to visit.  I purchased the frame in a garage sale for a few dollars.  Yesterday I went to Michael's and found the mat on sale for $4.  So I framed my photo and hung it in my bathroom.  Now when I get ready in the morning, I'll be able to see this photo and ...smile!

Speaking of the weather, I received a phone call from my friend Terri.  She's spending three months in Carmel and told me that the temperature was only 54 degrees.  That's more than half the temperatures we're having in Phoenix!
With limited space, my writing area is situated in a corner of the living room.  I decided to hang some mementos and a few of my favorite photos.
And in the midst of unpacking the many boxes, I discovered my journals.  I'm so thankful that I recorded my journey.  I found stories of people who touched my heart and inspirational thoughts and lessons I learned along the way.  I am able to look back at people and things I was praying for.  I see that God was at work even when it seemed like there were no answers at the time.  This gives me hope for the future.

God is faithful!
Last summer I worked summer camp at school.  I had the pleasure of spending time with Sloan.  At the time she was about to enter her senior year of high school.  What a joy to spend time with her!  She contacted me through Facebook and asked if we could get together before she left for college.  I gladly agreed and had a wonderful time catching up with her. Her beautiful face and character shine through.

Still counting those every day blessings in spite of the heat in Phoenix:

#455 Air conditioning that runs perfectly
#456 Lower air conditioning bills compared to last year
#457 Lunch with Sloan, a college bound student who has an amazing future in front of her
#458 Discovering the joys of painting walls in color
#459 Framing many of my photos to hang on the walls
#460 Greg worked so hard to make my bathroom beautiful as he hangs towel racks and mirrors
#461 A surprise encounter at Home Depot with Cathy, a friend I'd not seen in about 7 years   
#462 Seeing photos of my great niece Kenzie each day on Facebook (thank you Kristin)
#463 The sweetest next door neighbor we could ask for; Caroline
#464 Continuing to work on writing my eBook
#465 Finding inspiration from my journals
#466 Remembering so many wonderful people who have died as I read their stories in my journals

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience as we count our gifts for Multitudes on Mondays.



Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
Debbie Petras
14 Comments
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14 comments:

  1. Lovely to read your list Debbie, it makes me smile to think of you in that heat while we are struggling to even get 20 degrees C here in blighty! Much love, Jane x.

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  2. Your new place is gradually becoming your new home, Debbie, and I like the beautiful photo you framed! I put 3 photos of our old place in an old window and hung it in our little powder bath; still need those memories. This house is home at times, but it does take time to feel right at home.

    It is hot here in MT, but NOT like AZ! Our days are in the 90s and our nights are in the 60s - quie a difference! I remember visiting my mom one winter in AZ when it was in the 70s and I was loving it and my mom was freezing - I got such a kick out of her complaining, but I could't blame her.

    Your list is growing, and it does bring us joy to count our gifts, doesn't it? I need to get back adding to mine!
    With blessings and love,
    Laurie

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  3. WOW 113 IS pretty hot! And still in the 90's at night, I can soo see why that AC is running round the clock. YAY for smaller places and smaller bills. It is heating up here too but so far only the low 90's during the day, and the 60's at night. I know the hotter days are coming though so I am braced, haha. Your list is great. Isn't wonderful to get pics from Facebook? I love it too. Glad you have got a good new neighbor. Enjoy the rest of your day, and stay as cool as you can...HUGS

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  4. Dear Debbie! Hello from Russia, welcom to my blog too! Your sister in Christ Nika

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  5. It's fun to unpack and find treasures. And..it's fun to take a yard sale find and make it into a new treasure.

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  6. Debbie, Your condo looks so cute and cozy! Love your writing corner. We're definitely having our share of hot, hot days here and 110% humidity. Ugh!

    Blessings to you!

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  7. How exciting--writing an ebook--be sure and keep us posted when it makes its debut--will be looking forward to it--hope you guys can endure the heat--we had a break in the weather today with lower temps and rain--so thankful!

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  8. We are in the 80s this week - and the rain keeps skirting around us. I want a monsoon - well, maybe a gentle, consistent 7 day rain.

    Your writing corner is delightful. You did a beautiful job with your photo - from snap to frame!!!

    Wishing you blessing as you settle in!

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  9. Wowch! That is crazy hot!! Journaling is awesome... definitely love looking back and remembering the people who've been a great blessing :)

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  10. Debbie,

    Your place is charming! I love what you are doing with it to make it so cheerful and cozy. :)

    Hot here in Boise too (105), however cooler than there!. I hope it cools down (and I miss the monsoons) when I come in Sept/Oct. :)

    Hugs and blessings!
    Denise

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  11. Oh it is looking wonderful...truly wonderful. God is just igniting your creative genes and it will be such a lovely home!! Enjoy, enjoy!!

    Cooler here this week...but it will be back!

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  12. Are you in Phoenix!? I was in Scottsdale end of June with my mom. I LOVED it!!! I would take your dry heat any day! =) It was 89 here yesterday, but felt like the 115 in AZ... the humidity is unbearable. I'm already dying to come back. Arizona is absolutely beautiful, and you get to enjoy it everyday!

    I'm glad you're settling in and counting your blessings... I've been meaning to do the same. =)

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  13. Your home looks beautiful. So glad that you are able to see all the good things in your life.

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