Heart Choices

Sick and Tired of Being Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:42:00 +0000

Google image

I am sick and tired of feeling sick. Two days home from work and I can't wait to get back. This is my third round of antibiotics and I'm praying this will do it.

Here's a little hodgepodge of last week.

I love February! My birthday starts off the month on the first and my dad ends the month on the 28th. However, this month is a leap year.

I have spent much time on Pinterest lately but there are so many interesting and fun finds.

Source: funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: makoodle.com via Debbie on Pinterest

I've missed the kids this week at our Pre-K 3 class. Last week we had pajama day when teachers and students got to wear their pj's to school. I loved that; so comfortable.

We also had snow day in Scottsdale. They brought in manufactured snow and the kids got all bundled up in their snow outfits. It was such fun.

And on Wednesday, I had the loveliest birthday celebration with the children. When someone asked how old I was a child yelled out "she's 10". Another little girl piped up and said "I knew you were 9 before". Now don't you tell them differently, OK? :)

Miss Debbie with the kids at a pep rally

Don't you love the cute pj's?

Olivia playing in the snow

I am the one who is always taking the photos at school. So this was a rare glimpse of me as I was taking photos of the kids.

Do you see why I love my job and want to get back?

Blessings and love,

The Versatile Blogger Award

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:02:00 +0000

I was awarded the Versatile Blogger award by Paulette of Paulette's Blog. Since Paulette is a new blogging friend, I graciously accepted this award. Many of my long time blogging friends now have award free blogs. So I'm sure I'm breaking all the rules by not nominating 15 blogs.

I have so many wonderful encouraging blogger friends that have been so supportive over the years. I've had the privilege of meeting some of them in person. It's so different when you already know someone's heart from their writing. It's like old friends meeting.

I'm supposed to write 7 things about myself so here goes:

I am a Christian who loves Jesus.
I have been married to my husband Greg for 27 years.
I am a native of New York; from Lindenhurst, Long Island.
I'm still in touch with many of my friends from high school despite the long distances.
I love children and am currently working in a private school class of 19 Pre-K 3 kids.
I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for 25 years and thought I was retired.
Most of my family now lives in Florida.

I can think of so many blogs I would love to give this award to right now. So please feel free to take this award and share 7 things about yourself.

Blessings and love,

The Voice of Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

In today's world, it can be so easy to get distracted. So many voices vying for my attention.

What voice do I listen to?

The one who tells me I'm not pretty enough, good enough, thin enough?
The one who creates doubt and fear within me?
The one who says your situation will never change?

I make the daily choice to listen to the voice of Truth!

I'm linking up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Blessings and love,

Thankful for Birthday Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:32:00 +0000

It's Thankful Thursday and my heart is overwhelmed with love and gratitude. You see, yesterday was my birthday. It was the best birthday I ever had!

So on this Thankful Thursday I wanted to share my day with you.

This was my desk with so many flowers. Each child brought in a flower and gave it to me.

Each morning all of the three and four year old Pre-K classes gather in the Ramada to say the pledge of allegiance together. And then they called me up as everyone sang Happy Birthday to Miss Debbie.

Check out the birthday cake. There wasn't a piece left by the end of the day!

This was the best gift of all; getting hugs from the children.

My heart was so full of emotion. Little did I know several years ago that through circumstances not of my choosing would I be back working full time. And yet, I love it! I think about what I would have missed out on if life continued as I expected. So I'm learning to trust God more and more. He knows the desires of my heart better than me.

I wanted to say thanks to Heidi, Vicki, and Annie who made my day so special.

I'm also thankful for Facebook as I enjoyed the birthday greetings from friends and family. I love that I'm still connected with friends from my growing up years, cousins and family even in Norway.

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

Blessings and love,

True Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:30:00 +0000

If you asked most people what they would love to have, many would say ...peace.

As I gaze at this photo, I could just imagine my husband and me sitting in those lounge chairs having a very peaceful and relaxing time.

Source: toexploretheworld.tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Tami of The Next Step chose a quote about peace for this week's "In Other Words Tuesday":

“True peace comes from embracing what is, not from ceaseless striving to change everything around me to make my life more safe, secure, comfortable.” Dan Meadows in the Mosaic Bible

As I read that quote, I thought about how the world seems to describe peace:

An end to all wars
No crime
Freedom from oppression

Realistically, this is most unlikely to occur in the world in which we live.

Security, harmony and calm might be another description of peace. Taking a vacation to a place like the one in the photo above might be enjoyable for a time. But it eventually ends and we go back to our life once again.

I've found that the only way to have real peace is ...in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Only He can provide us with peace with God (spiritual peace) when we accept Him as our Savior.

Once I received this GIFT, I have His abiding peace to get me through many challenging days.

Instead of ceaseless striving to change and control everything around me, I can REST in Him.

How do I do this?

I Pray about everything.
I'm learning to trust God and His ways.
I'm abiding in Him each and every day.

No matter what storms are going on around me, I can remain calm because I place my trust in God. He is sovereign over all. Nothing happens to me that isn't filtered through His hands of love. I learn lessons through the hard times and cling to Him more closely.

I embrace what is and that is ...Jesus!

IOWT

Blessings and love,

The Joy of Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

There is a joy in learning. I've always had a love for reading. As a child, I vividly remember my mom reading to me. I would sit with her for hours. I think these memories are so strong for me since I was sedentary the first seven years of my life due to a congenital heart defect.

But now I get to participate with three and four year old children as they are beginning to learn to read. Each week, they have new sight words such as "the", "as", "see", etc.

The children get very excited as they learn new words and get to read to one another. At the end of the week, they get to take their little books home and we ask them who they will read them to. The replies include ...my dog, my mom, my baby sister.

When the children sit in a group, they are expected to sit "criss cross applesauce". We often have to remind them of this. Anika forgot and seems to be getting very relaxed here. :)

During PE class, the children participated in a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. It was kind of hard for our little ones to actually jump rope. But we were so glad to get a little help from the fourth graders. They teamed up with the children to show them how to jump rope.

It seems that every PE class has its pitfalls. Inevitably, there's a boo boo involved.

But it's amazing how a Dora the Explorer band-aid helps make it all feel better.

I'm looking forward to this new week. We are going to have a Snow Day. In Scottsdale, this is challenging given our recent 70 degree temperatures. But there's nothing like manufactured snow to play in! At the end of the week, we have Pajama Day. I had to check my closet to find some PJ's that would be appropriate as the teachers get to wear them to school too. :)

Have I mentioned how much I love working at Rancho Solano?

#332 Eyes light up as the children learn more new words
#333 Observing the children read to one another
#334 Realizing how often the children imitate what Heidi and I say each day
#335 The excitement as the children applaud when good manners are being used
#336 Learning new motor skills such as jumping rope
#337 Watching the children learn early that exercise is important for heart health
#338 The smile on Olivia's face after a band-aid is applied
#339 Greg's mom is home from the hospital and doing much better
#340 Coming home to a meal prepared by my husband Greg almost every day
#341 So thankful that Greg is a great cook and very creative (no recipe)
#342 Amazing weather with temperatures in the mid to high 70's
#343 A wonderful verse by verse study of the Book of Revelation at church by Pastor George Stroh (yes Linda's husband)
#344 A wonderful working relationship with Heidi; we work so well as a team
#345 My dad called from Florida so excited when a friend from Sons of Norway came up to him and mentioned that she was Facebook friends with his daughter (me)
#346 Arranging a family reunion of some of the Sumstad's who are traveling through Arizona in February at the Farm at South Mountain

Photo Credit: The Farm at South Mountain

I'm linking up with Ann Voscamp of A Holy Experience as I continue to count my every day blessings. Isn't it time you joined in?

Blessings and love,

One Word for 2012 ~ Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I'm joining in this week's Faith Barista Jam. Bonnie asked us to write about ...ADVENTURE.

I had to laugh when my friend Jamie sent me this photo of her two little girls and a dog. I wonder who is really in the driver's seat?

It happens to be that adventure was my one word for 2012. I tend to be a dreamer and a planner. But lately my life has been anything but stable and planned. As I see it, I have two choices.

Try to control my world and drive myself nuts with stress.
Trust God and allow Him to guide me each step of the way on this adventure.

Frankly, I'm ready for #2. For too long, I tried to maintain control.

If I knew all that would happen in my life in advance, I think I would have run away.

So today I make the choice to:

Begin my day in prayer and reading my Bible
Yield every part of my life to the Lord
Walk by faith and not by sight
Not worry about where I will live
Take life one day at a time
Be more aware of those every day blessings
Enjoy the moment
Smile
Know that God is ultimately in control of all things
Anticipate answers to prayer
Be excited about the possibilities God has for me
Love others
Laugh more

After all, it's a matter of perspective. My life will be an adventure as I trust God with the details.

Matthew 6:26

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Blessings and love,

Did You Celebrate Winnie the Pooh's Birthday?

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Counting my every day blessings is so good for me. I had a difficult weekend with a close relative in the hospital. It's hard to see someone you love and care for go through valleys.

I was happy to be able to sit down and write out my blessings. As I focused on the good things the Lord has blessed me with this week, it helps make it easier to deal with the more difficult aspects of life.

We celebrated Winnie the Pooh's birthday last week at school. What fun!

Everyone dressed up in yellow and red and many of the children had their Pooh bears in their backpacks. I'm so used to seeing them in uniforms every day so it was such fun to see them.

I only wish I could show you their adorable faces!

I think you can use your imagination as you see these adorable yellow and red outfits; too cute!

I had to laugh! Little Maya has a hard time sitting still. She kept fiddling with her uniform and she ended up getting her hands stuck. She looked up at me with an innocent look and said "help me Miss Debbie". :)

Kathleen of Sassy Granny was in town this week. She moved from Arizona to the Seattle area recently but came back to visit her friends and sisters. We had hoped to get together but since I spent most of the weekend at the hospital it wasn't possible. But I was thrilled to hear her sweet voice as we managed to have a phone conversation. She is always such an encouragement to me and I just love her.

#324 Getting to see the world through the eyes of children
#325 Celebrating Winnie the Pooh's birthday
#326 Having fun with the children
#327 Helping little Maya get unstuck
#328 Hearing the voice of a precious friend and fellow blogger
#329 Family who loves one another
#330 Thankful for my nursing background that helped much during the hospital situation
#331 Grateful that my dad is doing well in Florida

No matter what is going on in your life, remember that there are always every day blessings. We just need to stop and notice them and then thank God for them.

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.

Blessings and love,

My Hope is in You

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:14:00 +0000

"My Hope is in You" is a song that has touched my heart this week.

Aaron Shust sings it and when I heard of his story it became even more special. He and his wife have a young son with a serious medical condition. On KLOVE radio I listened to some of his story. Recently they had a second child and just learned that he also has special needs. Aaron and his wife are clinging to Psalm 62:5.

Psalm 62:5

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

^5"Only God gives inward peace,
and I depend on him."

Psalm 62:5

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ "Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him."

Whatever challenge you are facing, I encourage you to place your hope in God.

I'm linking up with Amy for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Blessings and love,

I Have Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Little Debbie

I have joy!

Joy is different from happiness. It's easy to be happy when life is good and things are going my way.

But joy isn't dependent upon life circumstances.

Bonnie of Faith Barista asked us to share about the word "JOY" for this week's Faith Barista Jam.

As a little girl, I remember singing a song that went like this:

I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart.
I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
Down in my heart to stay.

That joy is there to stay because I have Jesus in my heart. His Spirit lives within me. Now that's something to be joyful about, don't you think?

During this season of my life, there is much uncertainty. I don't even know where I'll be living in the next six months.

It would be so easy to fret about this. I have to admit there are moments when I'm tempted to become anxious but then I remember that God is trustworthy. As I look back over the past few years, I've found Him to be so faithful and He is always with me.

I can wake up each morning knowing that His presence is with me. I am never alone.

As a kid, I loved to read. I would check out Nancy Drew mysteries from the Lindenhurst public library and go home each Saturday to begin my reading. I had the tendency to take a peak at the last page to see how it ended. I know that's not what you're supposed to do but that's what I often did.

Well, I already know the end of my story.

The NOW may not be fully revealed to me and so I must trust God along the way. But my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life and I am so grateful. I don't say this as a boast. I am humbled by this. So, no matter what happens along the way I can rest easy knowing that God loves me and has a plan and purpose for my life.

That's a reason to have JOY!

Galatians 5: 22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit. And the second one listed is ...JOY!

That's something I cannot manufacture myself. No amount of affirmations I recite can generate this one. No positive thinking can instill this one.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit!

That is a gift of God as I dwell in His presence allowing Him full access to me. Who wouldn't want to have that kind of joy?

Blessings and love,

A Renewed Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Our quote this week for "In Other Words Tuesdays" was chosen by Living for God.

"Without the renewed mind, we will distort the Scriptures to avoid their radical commands for self-denial, and love, and purity, and supreme satisfaction in Christ alone." ~ John Piper

This is a quote I totally agree with.

Many people have studied the Scriptures.
Many people have much head knowledge of the Scriptures but not heart knowledge.
Many people can quote certain verses.
Many people can take a verse of Scripture out of context to suit their own agenda.
Even Satan knows Scripture and distorted it to try to tempt Jesus. (good luck with that)

Romans 12:2 says: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will."

As I surrender more and more of my life to Christ, He changes me from the inside out. I don't need to try to be good. I don't need to try to do more good.

As I study the Scriptures in context, my mind is being transformed by the Holy Spirit. His desires become my desires. It's like hand in glove. He works in me and through me to impact others. My outward behavior changes slowly as I grow in Him.

Do I have it all together?

No way! After all, I still have my human flesh to contend with.

But praise God.

As I learn to give it ALL to Him, I am learning to live this Christian life in the power of His Spirit. That's called maturity.

What are your thoughts on this quote by John Piper? I'd love to hear what you have to say. Or you can link up with Living for God and share your post with us.

Blessings and love,

Distracted While Praying

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Do you get distracted when you pray?

I have to admit that at times ...I do.

I begin by praising God for who He is. I thank Him for what He has done. I acknowledge my trust in Him. But as I begin to get into my time of intercession, suddenly my mind wanders to my to-do list or something flashes through my mind that I forgot to do. Before I realize it, more time has gone by and I have to get ready for work. To continue reading, please link over to Laced with Grace.

Blessings and love,

Everyday Blessings Through a Child's Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Counting my every day blessings makes me smile! As I think back over my week, it's fun to recall simple blessings.

It can much too easy to get in the habit of remembering what went wrong. Instead, why not make the choice to focus on the blessings of the week? And then always remember to ...give thanks.

There's something beautiful about looking at the world through the lens of a child. This week, Heidi taught the three year old children about the concept of melting. We began with frozen popsicles and gave one to each child. We took them outside in the sunshine. The popsicles began to melt and the children were able to paint a picture with their popsicle. They loved it and were so proud when we hung their art work outside our classroom door for all to see. Every time they passed by their masterpiece, they would point to it and smile.

Here they are sitting in the sun as their popsicles melted and they quietly painted.

Take a look at those socks with the X's and O's. Aren't they the cutest? I get a kick out of the different shoes and socks. Since the children wear uniforms, these items allow for some creativity and uniqueness. Notice the flower in Anika's hair.

The children know how to write their first name but recently we've been working with them on writing both first and last name. Max is working very diligently as he learns the letters in his last name.

Our letter of the week was "M". Maya is searching for a hidden "m" in our poem. Again, check out the flower in her hair and the cute socks and shoes; love them.

I had to include this family photo of Jake getting a haircut. Jake's mom is married to my cousin Rod. Jake looks so much like the Sumstad side of the family. He's too funny with his unique expressions!

Sometimes it's good to look at life from the eyes of a child. They do have a unique perspective. And I tend to smile more and more ...

#316 The simplicity of a popsicle changing shape
#317 Watching the children delight in painting with their popsicle
#318 Holding Anika's hair bows as I help take her sweater off over her head and then she always asks me to help put her bows back in her hair
#319 Observing the children learn the letter "M" and recognize it in words and sounds
#320 Seeing a child learn to write their complete name
#321 The smile of a child when they get a sticker for good manners
#322 The cutest expression on the face of my cousin's son during a haircut
#323 Noticing the family resemblance in Jake

I love looking at the world through the eyes of children. What a blessing it is!

Are you counting your everyday blessings? I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience.

Blessings and love,

Thoughts on Delight

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:52:00 +0000

Bonnie of Faith Barista asked us to share our thoughts on the word "delight".

Two things come to my mind when I think of the word delight:

Psalm 37
Children

Psalm 37 has been a source of comfort to me over the years. Trust, delight, commit, be still, do not fear are interwoven throughout this particular Psalm. During times of turmoil and difficulty, I intentionally chose to trust His Word. And I found that God is indeed trustworthy.

Children are a gift from God. However, due to fertility issues I was unable to have children. This was a bitter disappointment to me as I always envisioned my life as a mom. But God had a plan for my life and how thankful I am that it eventually involved children.

In the midst of very trying circumstances, the Lord brought me to a job where I get to spend eight hours a day with little ones.

AZ Republic Photo of me and children from Bible study

I delight ...in seeing the children's sweet faces.
I delight ...in listening to the children as they share stories with me.
I delight ...in having the opportunity to be a light.
I delight ...to love each one of the children.
I delight ...to pray for each child.

What does the word "delight" mean to you?

Blessings and love,

Note: The photo of me with the children was taken for an article published in the Arizona Republic on women with fertility issues and how they dealt with it. These are not the children I work with in our school today. Permission was granted by the parents of the children pictured here.

Where Do You Turn For Help?

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Where do you turn for help?

When life gets hard-

do you run to tell others?
do you keep to yourself as you try to figure out a solution?
do you try to pretend that nothing has changed to keep up appearances?
do you get so depressed you don't want to leave your home?

To continue reading, please head over to Laced with Grace.

Blessings and love,

New Year Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Photo Credit: WunderPhotos SunsetFL

January 2012; a new year; a new beginning.

As I continue counting my One Thousand Gifts, I'm aware that each day is really a new beginning. Because of God's incredible grace, I am free. I'm not overwhelmed or weighed down by my sins.

²² "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”Lamentations 3:22-24

#303 The gift of God's grace
#304 Forgiveness of my sins through Jesus
#305 Freedom from condemnation
#306 God's love in me

I returned to school after a two week break. I almost forgot how much I love to step foot on our campus. As the little children spotted me, I heard the sweet sounds of "There's Miss Debbie" or "Hi Miss Debbie". The first thing little Max did was to snap his finger. I taught him to do that before break and he'd been practicing.

The children were eager to learn. As they sat in front of the word wall, a new sight word was introduced. The new word was "see". How fun to see how excited they become as their minds absorb new lessons.

Our letter for this week was "L". The children come to the front of the classroom and try to find all of the L's in our poem. It might be a lower case or an upper case L. Anika is searching. Notice the stool that she uses so she can reach the letter.

Sometimes those "L's" are hiding and the children need a friend to help them out. Max points out the hidden l in walk to Lauren.

#307 The sound of the children's voices
#308 The excitement of learning how to snap a finger
#309 Observing the children learn new words as they begin to read even at the age of 3
#310 Watching one child help another

I had an appointment in town after school so I stayed overnight at Greg's mom's house. She lives closer so I didn't have so far to drive at night and in the morning. What a nice time I had spending the evening with Gloria. She had dinner waiting for me and we had time to talk and laugh. She doesn't drink coffee but knew I enjoyed my cup of java first thing in the morning. So her daughter Amy had purchased some packets of Starbucks coffee for me to enjoy. :)

#311 The first cup of coffee in the morning
#312 Spending time with Greg's mom
#313 Learning things about my husband from his mom
#314 Sharing girl talk
#315 A much closer drive to work

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.

Blessings and love,

Making the Right Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

I know today isn't Tuesday but ...I'm a bit behind and I wanted to participate in this week's In Other Words Tuesday quote. Here's Sunflower Faith's choice of quotes:

How automatic it can be to try to fix our brokenness ourselves and then wonder why it's not working.

Self-help books that promise great results if you look within
New year's resolutions that are all too often broken in the first month
Motivational tapes and affirmations that say 'yes I can'

Brokenness might just be the best thing for you!

Does that surprise you? But sometimes it takes us being in that place of brokenness to finally look to God; the ONLY ONE who can truly fix us.

No matter what is going on in your life ...God knows.
No matter how huge the problem seems to you ...God has a solution.
No matter how far down you feel you've gone ... God offers hope.

So, what part do you play?

Today, make the right choice to trust God.

Psalm 18:2
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Blessings and love,

Circle of Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Circle of Friends is one of my favorite Point of Grace songs. Where would I be without my circle of friends?

we laugh together, cry together, pray for each other and love one another. Each one brings something unique to the friendship. How thankful I am that God created each one of us differently.

I also love that this circle of friends can be continually enlarged.

I've many wonderful friends I've known since childhood. But I also have many new friends I've also grown to love through the blogging community.

I'm linking up with Amy for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Blessings and love,

One Word for 2012 ~ Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

I love adventures! Having written that word, I realize that I really enjoy watching others take adventures. I'm on the sidelines cheering them on.

Photo Credit: CBS The Amazing Race

One of my favorite TV shows is The Amazing Race. Contestants have the opportunity to compete against other teams as they race around the world. At each stop along the way, they participate in local customs as they tackle challenges that often cause them to step outside of their comfort zone. They must be quick to follow directions to the letter. Each morning they are handed an envelope. They quickly tear it open to discover their next destination.

My one word for 2011 was TRUST.

I have experienced God's faithfulness in 2011. When I was fearful and uncertain about what was going to happen, He provided me with His strength, His comfort and His love in so many ways. The Lord also used many people as instruments of His faithfulness to me. How thankful I am and have been able to see so many everyday blessings.

My one word for 2012 is ...ADVENTURE!

So as I embark on my adventure called life I will remember this:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I'm linking up with Bonnie of Faith Barista for this Faith Barista Jam.

Blessings and love,

A New Year to Continue Counting Everyday Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

It's a new year; a new opportunity to look for those unexpected and everyday blessings in life.

I reviewed many of the photos I'd taken and found this one. I was on a walk when I took this shot of a butterfly perched on a colorful flower. I had a new found excitement looking at this photo. I remember how the children in our Pre-K 3 class learn about caterpillars and about their transformation into butterflies. Somehow the photo had more meaning for me at this time in my life.

Although I am across the country from my family, how thankful I am for Facebook. I communicated with many family and friends online during the past two weeks. And on Twitter, I had fun tweeting new year's greetings to many.

Here's my dad on Christmas Day in Florida after receiving my gift to him. I may not have been there in person but I was so grateful to see the smile on his face and of course, hear his voice on the phone. That's a photo I took of the Lone Cypress along 17 Mile Drive in Carmel, California. I won a giveaway and UPrinting took my photo and put it on a canvas. Dad loved it!

I've missed the children in our Pre-K class and my co-workers. But it's been a nice two week rest. We all seemed to keep in touch online and that was fun. But I'll be happy to see the sweet smiles of the children as they return to school.

I recently joined a group of Brooklyn Norwegians on Facebook. My parents were born and raised in Brooklyn, New York but moved to Long Island after they married. I've had fun getting to know people with similar backgrounds and Norwegian customs. Many of the familiar phrases like "takk for matten" and "vaer sa god" were revisited. And yes, we continue to say those phrases in my family for "thank you for the food" and "come and get it". LOL.

#293 Viewing old photos with a new perspective
#294 The beauty of nature
#295 Keeping up with relatives in all parts of the county and even the world through the internet
#296 Making new friends with a similar background and rediscovering old friends
#297 A clean car with new tires and brakes
#298 A new year and a new focus to live intentionally
#299 Choosing a new word for 2012 ~ Adventure
#300 Going to church on New Year's Day with my friend Helen
#301 A unique church service where we got to pray with one another and minister to each other
#302 The excitement of seeing what God has in store for me in 2012

I'm linking up with Ann Voscamp of A Holy Experience as I continue to count those everyday blessings. Won't you begin to write them down too?

Blessings and love,

2012 ~ The Year of Living Intentionally

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:05:00 +0000

In many ways, I'm glad to say goodbye to 2011. It was a very challenging year for me.

My lifestyle was turned upside down and yet my faith grew stronger. I learned to depend on God in 2011. And ...I learned to trust God.

Let me share a secret with you:

God is faithful. God is trustworthy.

So, as I begin 2012 I want to live intentionally.

I've been reading many of Lisa Pulliam's posts on More to Be. If you're not familiar with this site, you must visit as you will find amazing resources to help you in your Christian growth.

Lisa also has such a heart for mentoring the younger generation. And she's very willing to help equip us older gals to get started.

I used Lisa's Living Intentionally worksheet to work through the 5Ps:

Passion
Purpose
Plan
Perspective
Priorities

As I got into the specifics of this exercise, it helped me focus more easily on where the Lord was leading me. Although my answers are very personal, I will share a few things with you.

Passion

There are two verses that God has placed on my heart:

Matthew 5:18 "...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."

Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Purpose

I desire to walk confidently with my God, trusting Him in ALL circumstances. I want to point others to Him as the source of my confidence.

I am working through my plan, perspective and priorities as I pray for the Lord's guidance. I find that writing it all down is so helpful. I can also refer back to this worksheet throughout the year.

I love this graphic that I found on Facebook.

2011 is over. I will not dwell on it except to learn from it.

2012 is now upon us. I will move forward trusting that the Lord will lead and guide me.

Happy New Year!

Blessings and love,

What One Simple Thing Could you Do to Take Care of Yourself Today?

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:01:00 +0000

I'd love to share some profound wisdom as a new year is fast approaching. But today, I needed to do something simple to take care of myself.

I need my car. It's almost 12 years old and has well over 100,000 miles on it. I used to take such good care of my car; keeping up with maintenance and having it washed every Saturday.

However, lately it seems that I put the key in my car, get on the freeway to go to work each day as I pray that it won't break down despite the brake light being on for some time now.

I'm happy to report that during my two weeks off from work, I got new brakes and four new tires! I know my work partner Heidi will be happy to hear this news. :)

Many years ago I read a book called "One Minute For Yourself". I remembered that one of the questions in the book was to ask yourself the question "what is one simple thing you could do right this minute to help you feel better?" The author gave an example of getting his car washed.

So on this December 31, 2011 morning I took my car to the car wash. Not a big deal but ...check this out!

My 2000 Lexus looked almost brand new! And it worked as I did one thing to take care of myself right now. The inside is clean and I feel better driving it.

And since I've changed my perspective as I've been counting my everyday blessings, I even noticed the beautiful waterfall at the car wash. Go figure ...

There's beauty all around us. We just have to take the time to notice.

Let me ask you the question.

What one simple thing could you do right now to take care of yourself?

Blessings and love,

Word-filled Wednesday ~ He is Always With Me

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:30:00 +0000

These past few years have been very challenging for me. I haven't been able to see in advance what would happen next. God asks me to walk with Him even when I don't know where we're going. It's called walking by faith and He has my best interests at heart.

What I'm learning is that ...God is trustworthy.

I'm linking up with the Internet Cafe Devotions for Word-filled Wednesday.

Blessings and love,

Interview with Lisa Shaw

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:30:00 +0000

Lisa Shaw has become a good friend to me. You may know her through her blog Lisa Shaw Cares.

I had the opportunity to meet Lisa in person and I can say that ...Lisa really does care. She's the real deal and is a joy to know.

Lisa published her first eBook entitled "You Are Beautiful in God's Eyes". I asked Lisa questions regarding this new venture and I want to share her answers with you.

1. “You Are Beautiful in God’s Eyes” seems to be so personal to you Lisa. Why did you choose to write this book now?

For 10 years I have tried to finish writing a book. I have several started on my hard drive or on paper but never completed. Several reasons for that but one day, the end of May of this year, I was at lunch with my friend Johnine. I was showing her a very small pocket-sized booklet written by Marilyn Hickey that I’ve had since 1999. It spoke about how God uses women in His kingdom purposes, a subject that has always been important to me especially in the roles in which God uses my life. As I shared with Johnine she was not very interested in hearing about that booklet but rather she asked the question that has changed my life and the lives of others and I’m so humbled by that and grateful to God! The question she asked was, “Lisa, where is your booklet?” During the 30 minute ride home from lunch I pondered that question. I asked myself, “Lisa, where is your booklet?” I began to cry. I began to pray. With hot tears streaming down my face I heard myself ask God, “Abba Father, where is my booklet”. Within my heart I could hear Him say, “Within you”. I began over the next day or so. I prayed and asked God what to write about. He gave me the topic from the heart of which I’ve lived and from which I’ve ministered to many women over the years; helping them to see themselves through God’s eyes. I laid my hands to the keyboard and the Holy Spirit took over. Within two months You Are Beautiful In God’s Eyes was completed by God’s grace. By the beginning of September it was published and in my hands. That was all God!

2. In your ministry, do you see many Christian women who struggle with these issues of not feeling beautiful? Doesn't becoming a Christian heal those areas of hurt?

Yes Debbie, many women struggle with seeing themselves through God’s eyes--the eyes of His Word. Often women in certain positions of ministry or business are apprehensive about admitting that. I have also found that at times women who have been saved a long time are also timid in being transparent in this area. We must get beyond the masks, titles and positions and be transparent about the wounds we carry around so that we can seek Jesus for full healing and wholeness and live the lives He’s provided for us to live abundantly.

Becoming a Christian does not automatically heal the hurts. That is why we can be a Christian for so many years and live discouraged, depleted and defeated. The healing begins when we walk in genuine fellowship with the Lord and answer His question. He asks, “Do you want to be made whole?” as He asked the man at the pool in John 5. We have to be willing to answer that question. We have to want the healing that Jesus provides. The woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 went after her physical healing. The sinful woman in Luke 7 went after her spiritual healing. Jesus wants us to be healed and whole but we have to want what He is offering to us and then go after it in His Word and in prayer and receive all that He has for us. Not an easy thing to do but doable with His help. Healing and wholeness in the area discussed in my Book is often not instantaneous. It’s often a process and that’s ok as long as we begin the process to define ourselves by the Word and not the world by learning what God sees when He looks at us and then daring to believe Him!!

3. I loved how you addressed 7 reasons why women find it difficult to see themselves as God sees them. Straddling the fence was a chapter that could have been taken from my life story. Do you think we in the church miss opportunities to help new believers grow in their faith? Or is it that people believe that when they pray the prayer inviting Jesus into their heart they have a ticket to heaven and don’t focus on how they are to live NOW?

Sadly yes, we often do miss opportunities in the church to help new believers to grow in their faith. I would add not just new believers Debbie but struggling Christians and even Christians who have been saved for a very long time. Often when people meet me in ministry circles they ask me one main question: What church do you attend? I think a better question is, “Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? How long have you been really walking with Him?” There’s usually the date we become a Christian and then the date that we really begin to walk with Him up close. Not true for everyone but often true for many people.

If we reached the heart of the person and not just asking surface questions then we’d probably see people open up more as we show them that we care in Christ about their lives, and that gives opportunity for us to help people more.

4. How are you getting the word out about the book? Who is marketing it? Have social media platforms been helpful to you?

My hubby and I published the book by God’s grace with a very good company. Then, God has put this book into hands I would not have anticipated in the last three months. Women of various ages and backgrounds, young ladies and teenagers have read it. I have been told that some husband have read it as well! My book has traveled to India and that blessed my heart. Our pastor and congregation have embraced the Book without my pursuit or request. My pastor actually read it at night while on a very intense mission’s trip to Madagascar! God has opened doors for me to do the Book as a 9 week Bible Study beginning January 4^th at the church. As a result I am also working on a Study Guide. I’m excited about the doors God has opened already. I’m looking forward to being invited many places to share God’s story to penetrate the hearts of Christian and non-Christian women!

5. Do you think this would be a good book to share with women friends who are not Christians?

Absolutely. My sister in law, Kenya said that one of things she loves about the Book was that it was not “churchy” sounding and that it was conversational, relatable and relative. I believe that all women can benefit from the message and prayerfully by the time they read Chapter 7: Living Apart from His Truth will cause them to give their hearts to Jesus Christ. That chapter was written for that purpose.

6. Lisa, you are beautiful. Have you finally come to the point where you truly believe that and see yourself through the lens of God’s eyes?

Debbie you are beautiful too! Yes, I truly believe that I am beautiful in God’s eyes and that was a long journey my friend! I truly believe that I am defined by His Word and not by the world. There are times when the enemy will whisper his lies but I have learned how to handle him through 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. There are times when negative thoughts will creep in my mind or the hurtful words of others will attempt to distract me from my purpose in God but I grab those negative thoughts and hurtful words and cast it down out of my mind and make it subject to Christ. I then fill my mind and my mouth with His Word. I speak His word aloud and encourage myself and fill myself with His truth over and over until my mind is at peace.

If I could I would hug every woman who reads this and tell her that she is beautiful in God’s eyes. I would encourage her to read His Word and find out what He sees when He looks at her and then, dare to believe Him and live her life based on that truth!

Debbie, you are beautiful in God’s eyes and I love you! Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my book: You Are Beautiful In God’s Eyes. For Book details and Book purchase or Kindle or Nook information: www.lisashawcares.com

So now go and check out this book of Lisa's. I read it and loved it. I was not asked to conduct this interview by Lisa nor was I given anything in exchange for this recommendation.

Blessings and love,

The Habit of Counting Everyday Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:33:00 +0000

Counting everyday blessings has finally become a part of my life.

When I first began to participate in Multitudes on Mondays with Ann of A Holy Experience, I had to intentionally make the choice to focus my attention on searching for everyday blessings.

I wasn't in the habit of giving thanks for those seemingly ordinary occurrences in life. But the habit is taking root and for that ...I am thankful!

The weather in the Phoenix area this time of year is beautiful. The temperature ranges from nights in the low 40's with daytime highs in the 60's. I'm originally from New York so I grew up with snow and cold winters. I love to bring out my sweaters but I also get to experience flowers and sun and mountains.

Greg and I had a quiet Christmas this year but much time to spend together. After all, I'm on a two week break from work. That's the beauty of working in a school. When I worked as a nurse, I worked many holidays over the years.

I'm so grateful to my friend Terri for an annual invitation to the Phoenician Holiday Tea. This tradition began about 14 years ago when Terri's mom was a patient in the cardiology practice where I worked. The three of us went each year at Christmas. However, Terri's mom died but we've continued the tradition now including her cousin Janet. As we sip tea, we often reminisce about all three of our mothers in heaven.

I wrote about my family's Norwegian American Christmas traditions here. I was delighted to learn that my niece Katie is interested in continuing many of these traditions. She lives in Brooklyn, New York as she works as a colorist in a hair salon in Manhattan. She was home visiting her parents in Florida for Christmas. I received a call from her mom asking for the family recipe. So we had the smell of cardamom in Arizona and in Florida!

My dad is in his 80's and is currently living with my sister and her husband. He's had numerous health issues with his heart over the years but we're so thankful he's doing well now. He used to love to paint using oils. But it's been some time since he picked up his paintbrush. He recently asked me to send him a picture I had taken of The Lone Cypress along 17 Mile Drive in Carmel, California. He thought it would inspire him to begin painting again.

I was happy to do so but instead I entered a giveaway on Jennifer's Studio JRU blog. She was offering a 16" x 20" rolled canvas print from UPrinting.com. I could use the photo I had taken of The Lone Cypress and possibly win a canvas print of it to send to my dad for Christmas. So I entered and ...I won!

My brother took a photo of my Dad with his gift as I wanted to see what the finished product looked like. It was beautiful and I hope it will inspire my dad to begin painting again.

#277 Beautiful weather in Phoenix
#278 Two weeks of vacation from work
#279 Wonderful friends who share fun experiences
#280 Norwegian traditions that are being continued in the Sumstad future generations
#281 The smell of cardamom in the house
#282 A beautiful Christmas church service
#283 Singing Christmas carols together
#284 Helping a friend begin blogging
#285 Receiving a box of Norwegian treasures from my Aunt Ruth
#286 Seeing the face of my dad smiling despite the miles that separate us
#287 Praise that Greg's mom is getting stronger everyday after several health issues this past year
#288 The fun of reconnecting with friends and family on Facebook
#289 The joy of watching a family friendly movie called "Dolphin Tale" on my new Kindle Fire
#290 The gift of Jesus
#291 Peace with God through Jesus
#292 Joy despite ongoing challenges in life

Will you begin to make the daily choice to be on the lookout for those everyday blessings? It will change your perspective on life.

Blessings and love,