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