One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"I the LORD do not change." (Malachi 3:6)

It's hard to predict when she'll have one of her four year old temper tantrums.  Her moods change like the wind sometimes.  She has a zest for life and she generally is smiling and so excited about things.  Yesterday, however, she was having a rough day.  I'm sure her behaviour was a result of late nights (as her older brother reminded me) and a very busy week going to VBS every day.  I was so thankful that today, after 12.5 hours of sleep last night, our beautiful bubbly girl was living up to her daddy's nickname for her, "Smily." Even when our precious children have their "moments", we love them unconditionally (and I am thankful that they love me too when I too have my "moments")!  They bring so much joy to our lives and we want to savour every moment.  We are so grateful to God for entrusting them to us.

Just as God told his children, the Israelites, that He does not change, He reminds us too that He is our God and that He loves us even when we our unfaithful.  He forgives us, and promises to love us unconditionally.

Continuing to give thanks...

-for long sleeps and fresh new beginnings
-enjoying the park across the road

-her smiles that stretch from ear to ear

-his thoughtful, contemplative nature

-how she's growing up to be such a beautiful, godly young woman

-his patience and love

-how they all love to play

-how she enjoys the outdoors

-her upper body strength as she learns to do the monkey bars on her own

-how she loves to do everything "one more time"

-enjoying dog -sitting

-being proud of his attempted cart wheels

-how we are so like minded
-how he encourages me when I'm down and tries to be a voice of reason
-how he calls me when he's on his way home from meetings or outings, if I would like something from Tim's or DQ

-spending the whole day outside (and loving it), because of our day of dog-sitting

-best buds
-spending a week of VBS with friends

-our new VBS station, "Service and Missions"
-teaching the children about the many different ways to serve God

-our missionary, an amazing, sincere man who taught the children about Egypt

-writing letters to children around the world through Compassion Canada
-all the many volunteers who helped make VBS a success
-how Jesse and Nicole enjoyed themselves and were such willing volunteers
-the amazing, organized VBS leaders

-how he passionately expresses that all of God's creatures are made beautifully

-fascinating facts about God's fascinating creatures

-how she wanted to be the first to touch every creepy crawling thing!

-hearing our older daughter chuckling as she's watching a movie with her little brother
-a wonderful visit with a great friend who's an amazing godly woman
-meeting with fellow adoptive families and friends and welcoming their precious daughter home
-our niece and her family are home for a visit
-enjoying a stay home day
-how he says, "That was a fun day, Mom" as I tucked him in bed
-how they played so nicely together

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

 "What does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8)

Micah 6:8- the GEMS theme verse.  I remember reciting those words when I was younger!  Even though I have recited those words and I have had them memorized for many years, I still need to remind myself of them.   In my efforts to please God, am I truly acting justly?  Am I showing kindness?  Am I learning humility?  No, no, and no.  I constantly need to seek God's forgiveness and help as I strive to live a life that pleases Him.  I am truly thankful for His grace and mercy each day.

Last week, I dropped off our daughter and some friends at the GEMS connected camp in Michigan.  She had a fabulous time!  She made many new friends, participated in a variety of activities, and enjoyed praise and worship with Coleen and Grace!  I am so thankful for Christian camp, especially GEMS camp where the girls are taught to live their lives, pleasing to Christ.  

Continuing to give thanks...

-GEMS camp

-going to camp with some school friends and meeting new friends

-still willing (sort of) to get a picture with her mom before saying "Good-bye"

-connecting with God through daily devotions and different themes each day

-daily praise and worship with Colleen and Grace (I'm a little jealous)!

-being reminded to let their lights shine for Christ!

 -various, fun activities
-great weather
-safety at camp and safe travels

 -a super fun road trip/shopping trip with my dear friend

 -safe travels and successfully arriving at our destinations without a G.P.S!!

 -a little taste of Germany

-beautiful weather, despite the forecast!

 -enjoying each other's company

 -enjoying summer activities together and on their own

 -her fort that she was so excited about (she even slept in it that night)!

 -enjoying a picnic on our front lawn
-beautiful, summer weather

-how she wants to work with the older kids
-how she asks first thing int he morning, "Where are the kids"?
-how my niece patiently worked side by side with her cousin and how they both enjoyed working together

Dear Son

"My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139: 15,16).

Dear Son,
This week we received new pictures of your beautiful self.  It touched our hearts immensely to see you smiling!  However, it also made our hearts ache, as we long to bring you home and lavish you with love and to see your precious smile up close!  We pray for you every day.  We pray that God will send His angels to protect you and to give you lots of love.  We pray for your health and we especially pray that you would be able to come home soon.  We are longing to hold you in our arms.

Your brothers and sisters also can't wait to meet you.  Your sister keeps talking about sharing her room with you and how much fun that will be!  Your other sister has your pictures hanging in her room!  Your brothers and your sisters pray for you every night.  You have so much love here waiting to be given to you.  You keep growing in our hearts; we love you so much!  We also know that you have a heavenly Father that loves you so much too!  He has called you to be His child and we know that God's timing is perfect and that He has big plans for you!  We can't wait to see what those plans are, and we feel blessed beyond words that He chose you to be our son.

We couldn't resist buying you your first stuffy, a lion.  Did you know that your name means, "fierce, stronghold"?  You already have a fierce stronghold on our hearts and we can't wait to meet you and bring you home to your forever family!

One Decade!

"Children are a heritage from the LORD" (Psalm 127:3).  

A decade! A period of 10 years! Our precious boy has turned 10! Where does the time go? We are so blessed to call this sensitive, creative, smart, intelligent, fun-loving boy our son! We are so grateful to God for entrusting him into our care. We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with him and watching him grow into the man that God wants him to be. We love you, Curty!