One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that hey may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ" (Colossians 2:2).

(photo taken in Caledonia, Ontario)

God's Word is filled with words of hope and encouragement.  It is filled with His faithful promises.  His words are always there for us to nourish our soul.  God also desires us to be united in love, encouraging others with our words and deeds.  

Encouragement sometimes comes in the least expected places, but also at the most needed times.  This is exactly what happened to me very recently.

The words from a young bride in her thank-you card brought tears to my eyes.  (I truly am able to say that I have never cried from a wedding thank-you card before)!!

It was an extraordinarily busy time.  I was feeling extraordinarily tired and rather discouraged.  God used the words from this beautiful, young, godly woman to fill my heart with hope and encouragement.  We often think that it is the elderly who give wisdom/advice/encouragement to those who are younger, but God uses everyone of all ages to encourage others and to speak words of hope and love.

We need to be quick to give it, open to receive it, and be blessed by it!  I was so blessed by her words, and I hope and pray that I too am able to be a blessing to others, especially during this Christmas season of joy and hope!

Continuing to give thanks...
-God's words of hope and encouragement
-encouraging words from others
-encouraging words in a wedding thank-you card
-this Christmas season of hope

-encouraging words of hope and spiritual nourishment from this devotional for parents of children with special needs

-when others are able to share their stories of hope with others

-encouraging words and get well wishes from these cards for Seber after his surgery (from his classmates and Nicole's friend)

-her heart for others and her desire to encourage others with her Christmas gifts 

-Christmas lunch party with the Down syndrome association

-being part of a supportive community with others who share a love for those with Down syndrome

-gentle, loving nurses and doctors

-our first Christmas as a family of seven!

-that our long hike to our sledding hill was worth the effort!

-siblings enjoying the hills together

-how my teenager's silly antics make me smile

-how his face lights up when he gets to go in the truck
-how he loves to spend time with his children!