Day 24

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Psalm 95:2

Day 24: I am thankful for Thanksgiving Day. It gives us a reason to gather with family and enjoy each other! Thank you God for my family! 

Day 22

And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.

Isaiah 12:4-5

Day 22: I am thankful for the rain.

Day 21

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Psalm 100:4

Day 21: I am thankful for the patience my husband shows me.

Today we were very busy! Since Nathan will be in Africa for Christmas, he wanted to set up the tree today. More days for him to enjoy it before he heads back. Typically he's COMPLETELY against doing ANY Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving. But with the timing of his rotation, WE PUT UP OUR TREE!

After 6 years of our artificial tree, it just couldn't make it through another Christmas. So we packed up and went to Target (best said with a French accent). We got a beautiful new artificial tree sans the artificially added scent you can buy.

I've never seen a kid more excited than Owen helping us set it up and put the ornaments on. He was absolutely a precious angel. Seeing things through a child's eyes is such a spirit-lifter. Riley joined in on the fun after her nap. She mainly wants to take everything off the tree and bring it to us. She doesn't quite get that "uh-oh" doesn't apply when SHE's the one taking them off. It's really cute!

So Merry early Christmas to the Mery's! I'm thankful we get to share some of the Christmas spirit as a family before Nathan heads back to Luanda.... even if it's before Thanksgiving. =)

Day 20

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Day 20: I am thankful for unanswered prayers. Sure we all immediately think of the Garth Brooks song... But if you stop and think of past prayers, I bet you're pretty thankful God didn't answer in the way YOU wanted.

Day 19

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:8

Day 19: I am thankful for the animals God created. They never cease to awe and amaze me.

On that note, we went to the Houston Zoo today. (Thank you again Mom and Dad for this awesome gift!) We met our good friends Shawn, Jessica, Jase and Allyson there. We love spending time with them! The kids have a blast playing! The whole day was spent chasing Owen and Jase through the zoo and watching the girls chat. It was adorable! We even fed the giraffes! It was amazing being so close to these beautiful creatures. Owen had mixed feelings about this. He's been wanting to feed the giraffes since our last trip but I told him we needed to wait for Daddy. The whole time waiting in line he cried because he was scared. Then the whole time after we fed them he cried... he didn't want to leave. Poor guy! Riley was nervous but I helped her give them our lettuce. Definitely worth the $5!!! 

Jessica has other great pictures from our day on her blog. Click HERE! 

Day 18

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me."

John 14:1

Day 18: I am thankful for the days I get to spend with my family. Since Nathan got home from his first rotation in Luanda, it's felt like Saturday everyday!

Day 17

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Day 17: I am thankful that at the end of the day, I can lift my fears and anxiety up to God and know He will help, protect and guide my life.