Heart Choices: Thankful Thursday ~ Quiet Christmas Blessings -->

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Thankful Thursday ~ Quiet Christmas Blessings


It's the day after Christmas and it's quiet in my home. It's actually been a very quiet week and I'm just fine with that.  Greg and I have adopted our own Christmas traditions that we enjoy.

My one sadness is not being able to spend time with my family in Florida.  But I am very thankful for phone calls and Facebook photos!  Here are a few photos my niece Kristin shared of Kenzie on Christmas morning.

Kenzie and her daddy
Kenzie is more interested in the bows
I can't wait until I can squeeze this little one ...in person.  Maybe on spring break?

One of the nicest presents I received this Christmas was an invite to a website called RightNow Media.  A few Sundays ago, the music minister at my church mentioned that we would be receiving an email with this invite.  I immediately logged on and have been watching free videos of many of my favorite Christian authors and speakers.  


The first one I've been intently watching is John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life.  I read the book but watching the videos has brought it to life for me.  This is something that's been on my mind a lot lately.  I don't want to waste the lessons from the trials I've gone through the last few years.

I've been eating way too many sweets and ...Norwegian waffles.  It's hard to avoid extra foods during this season as I received many sweet gifts from co-workers and children at school.  I've kind of given in but this morning I got back on my treadmill.  

I had the opportunity to watch a few of my favorite holiday movies, including The Homecoming: A Christmas Story.  It's about the Walton family and takes place during the Depression.  I watch it every year.  

Even though I really didn't want to get involved in another music competition show on TV, I ended up loving The Sing-Off.  The groups sing a cappella and ...they are so good.  Jewel is a judge and I love her.  (I watch her family in the Discovery channel's TV show Alaska: The Last Frontier.)  You've got to listen to her sing with the winners from this season; Home Free.  Such beautiful voices!


I'm thankful that I've been able to focus more on the reason for the season; Jesus.  I love the decorations and lights but most importantly I always want to remember the why. Having my early morning quiet times keeps life in proper perspective for me.

How about you?  What are you thankful for this Christmas season?

I'm linking up with Iris of Grace Alone for Thankful Thursday.

Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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7 comments:

  1. Our Christmas was very quiet too, but we had our son over, which was a true blessing. I love books by John Piper. I have the book "Don't Waste Your Life", but have not read it yet. I too do not want to waste what I have gone through in life and I maybe I will able to help someone else.

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  2. My Christmas celebrations took off running, now I find myself sick with chest cold and sinus. I can't blame it on the season, as I was getting sick before Christmas. But I am thankful it's over now and I can cuddle up with Jesus under a blanket today and drink some hot tea, and let everything else go! Thankful I don't have to go back to work until Jan. 7th. Your niece is adorable!

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  3. Me too, I want to learn through my trials and haven't always seen the importance of this. But, I now know that the Lord can use our adversities in mighty ways in our lives and the lives of others.

    We'll have Christmas tomorrow evening after our daughter and little cowboy arrive.

    Wishing you the happiest of years in 2014!

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  4. I love reading your blog! Have a beautiful New Year friend!

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  5. I loved that our Christmas was laid back too and it was nice to just enjoy that special time with my family. I'm glad you had a wonderful celebration. It's hard to avoid delicious meals and sweets but it seems you know when you reach your limit. May you have a wonderful new year, bringing in lots of awesome blessings from the Greatest Gift Giver. Happy New Year sister!

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  6. This was a good post, as always! Glad you enjoyed your Christmas. Little Kenzie is getting soo big, and such a little doll! And what am I thankful for this season? without a doubt it's family! Enjoy your time off! HUGS

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  7. Wishing you a season and year end that is filled with meaning and hope. It was good to catch up with you through my reading of this post. I have never seen The Homecoming, so I might watch that. You are so right about not wasting the precious lessons of our past. And eating healthy is one way of honoring the temple of the Holy Spirit, which are bodies are.

    Much love to you always, dear Debbie.

    Lidia

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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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