Meet Debbie
Hi, I’m Debbie Petras and I’m humbled and excited to join the team of Laced with Grace.
I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my husband Greg. We’ve been married for 24 years. I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I was a sickly and sedentary child because I was born with a congenital heart defect before open heart surgery was very advanced. So, I spent my days quietly reading books and drawing since I couldn’t run and play with other children. However, at the age of 7, the surgery was finally performed, everything went well and I’ve been very healthy and active ever since. It was during this time that I prayed to receive Jesus as my personal Savior.
Because of my history as a heart patient, I became a nurse. I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for more than 20 plus years in a variety of healthcare positions including Intensive Care, Cardiac Rehab and cardiology practices. I left nursing and have been working with my husband Greg for the past few years in technology startups.
I was unable to have children but enjoy spoiling my nieces and nephews. I had the privilege of teaching little 2-5 year olds as a Bible Study Fellowship children’s leader for 8 years. I believe this was a gift from God who never forgot my desire for children.
I’m thankful for God’s amazing grace. I had some wild years when I wasn’t living for the Lord but at my grandmother’s funeral 16 years ago, I felt the Lord speaking softly to my heart. That’s when I returned to church and began to grow passionately in my faith.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 5:16…
“…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
This verse is especially meaningful to me because not all of my loved ones are yet believers. So, I’ve had to learn to walk my talk and allow Him to work through me. I’ve kept a journal for many years and recently discovered blogging. You can visit me at Heart Choices, where I write about how your day to day choices determine what your tomorrows will become. I focus on body, mind and spirit.
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