Our Ten-Year-Old Gabriel

Ten years ago, Gabriel made his grand entrance into the world. He came in with a swift bang and has been a ball of energy ever since then. 

It has been amazing to see God work in Gabriel's heart this year. Over the past two years, Gabriel has asked a lot of questions, study the Bible and God has brought him out of darkness into marvelous light! We celebrated with Gabriel's baptism July 10th and Jim had the privilege of baptizing him. Gabriel is strong in the Word, quick to protect anyone from another, especially those smaller, and has a servant heart. God has already gifted him so much and it is exciting to see God's growing him into an amazing young man.

This year, Gabriel has really grown as an artist. He loves to draw and will draw anything. One of his strongest skills is replicating coloring sheets. It has amazed us over and over when he brings a drawing that looks like it could have been traced, but it wasn't. (We've watched him do this!) We are excited to see how God will use Gabriel's art to minister to others as he grows.

Gabriel also enjoys puzzles, word puzzles and figuring things out. He's a thinker. It's so fun to watch him learn, process and come to conclusions. He gets so excited when he learns something new. His passion for learning is amazing and it's so fun to watch him learn more everyday. 

One of the areas Gabriel wants to learn more in is the kitchen. He enjoys putting things together, making shakes and figuring out meals. He likes helping his sister bake as well.

Gabriel also loves his siblings and helping care for them. He gets down on their level, reads to them, builds with them, talks with them and teaches them. His love for people is straight from the heart of God. 

His most favorite thing to do though, is build with LEGOs. Gabriel loves to build, create, play with and imagine with LEGOs. He builds all kinds of things both with and without directions. He has a wonderful imagination. He has recently discovered LEGO Mario and is slowly collecting sets to bring the video game world to life. It's fun to see him build and create as he bears the image of his Creator.

We are so blessed by Gabriel. He's so much fun and adds life to our home everyday. His hard work in bar none and he is always ready to come along side. We look forward to many more years with our Gabriel!

Father, thank You for Gabriel and the work You have done in his life. We see your handiwork all over him as he grows in faith. Please continue to grow him in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man as Jesus did. Make him more like Jesus everyday. Continue to grow his creativity and use it for Your Kingdom, to serve others and glorify Your name. Thank You for the gift and blessing of his life. We pray this in Jesus's Name. Amen