One Thousand Gifts (continued)

146) the miracle at Bethlehem
"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about'" (Luke 2:15).

147) Christmas music (I've enjoyed this particular CD a lot)!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:14).

148) Opa and Oma hugs
"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children" (Proverbs 17:6).

149) night time illumination

"God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5).

150) games with Beppe

"...the cheerful heart has a continual feast" (Proverbs 15:15).

151) jogging in the snow

152) rosy cheeks

153) a hug from a friend

154) hours and hours of skating

155) Christmas family gatherings

156) church family

157) beds

158) fire place

159) a day for scrap booking!

160) a daughter with a giving heart

161) a son who loves sports

162) a son who loves crafts

163) a loving/forgiving husband

164) holidays and a husband who's home a lot!

165) hot chocolate after skating

166) hand-me-downs (Jesse loves them)!

167) hats and mitts

168) devotions with my husband

169) scavenger hunts

170) the three children playing Twister - hilarious!

171) coming home to a house with children laughing

172) slippers

173) the gift of giving

174) the Greatest Gift of All- Thank-you God for your Son!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

135) snowmen (made with carrots and double zoute dropjes)

136) backyard skating

137) birthday candle light dinners (with left overs)!
"If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:8).

138) talented piano player (my niece)
"...make music in your heart to the LORD" (Ephesians 5:19).

139) singing in the Christmas program

"I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel" (Judges 5:3).



140) decorated houses

141) smelly candles

142) birthdays (Happy Birthday, Mom)

143) special Christmas services

144) sleep overs

145) thousands of beads for hours of craft time

Happy Birthday, Princess

"Every good and perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17)

God has blessed us immeasurably with the gift of our daughter (and sons). Today our daughter turns 8! I remember at one of our children's baptism, the pastor reminded us that our children do not belong to us, but that God has entrusted us with them. We give thanks to Him for entrusting us with this precious gift. We are so thankful for our daughter, her love for others and her Saviour, and her heart for giving. Happy birthday, Princess!

About Nicole...

Adoption Update

Ethiopian flag

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us- whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of Him" (1 John 5:14-15).

We are very excited that our adoption agency received their Ontario Ministry License renewal earlier this week! Also, at least 2 families were given their referrals (matches of their child). We are praying for that day to come soon for us! I was very excited to hear of other families' referrals; I can't imagine how excited we'll be when we get our referral! It is truly an answer to many prayers that the agency is up and running and referrals are already being given out. Praise the LORD!!

Here is a video Christmas card we made for your enjoyment. We wish you the Lord's blessings on your Christmas season and also for the year 2010!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

121) shimmering, brightly lit decorated Christmas tree
"...and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel..." (Revelation 21:11)

122) eager, helpful tree decorators

"For I know your eagerness to help..." (2 Corinthians 9:2)

123) an inheritance of our tree cutting tradition

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children" (Proverbs 13:22).

124) Father-son moments

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the LORD" (Ephesians 6:4).

125) time for silliness
"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart" (Proverbs 15:30).



126) Oma's pancakes

127) children's enthusiasm

128) ice rink preparations

129) first snow flakes of the season!

130) Christmas lights, but more importantly, Jesus, the Light of the world

131) forgiveness

132) healing

133) new day, new week

134) children singing Christmas songs